How to Check if an Auxiliary Engine Rocker Arm is Properly Lubricated
To determine whether the rocker arm on an auxiliary engine is being lubricated, follow these steps:
- Listen for the sound: Stand near the rocker arm (maintaining a safe distance). When the rocker arm is properly lubricated, it emits a low-pitched sound. If lubrication is lacking, the sound will be loud and high-pitched. Proper lubrication is critical for engine performance and preventing wear.
Essential Preparations for Machinery Overhaul
Before overhauling any machinery, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly to ensure safety and efficiency. Here’s a checklist of necessary preparations:
- Toolbox Meeting: Discuss tools (including special tools), lighting, ventilation, and spare parts availability.
- Time Management & Manpower: Organize tasks, assign personnel, and ensure efficient use of time.
- Risk Assessment: Conduct a risk assessment and complete the necessary checklist.
- Work Area Safety: Secure the working area with signs and barricades. Obtain the required work permits.
- Record Readings: Document relevant readings and records before starting the overhaul.
Routine Maintenance for Auxiliary Engines
Proper maintenance of auxiliary engines is essential for smooth operation. Here’s a breakdown of daily, 250-hour, 1000-hour, 2000-hour, 4000-hour, and 8000-hour routines:
Daily Engine Checks
- Check the fuel level in the service tank and drain water from the service and settling tanks.
- Inspect lube oil levels in the sump and governor.
- Verify rocker arm lubrication and lube oil pressure.
- Check water pressure, exhaust temperature, and cooling water temperature.
- Drain condensate from the scavenge manifold and air coolers.
- Lubricate fuel racks, linkages, and pump rack operating gear.
250-Hour Maintenance Routine
- Change over generators and stop the engine.
- Clean the lube oil filters, fuel oil filters, and turbocharger air filters.
1000-Hour Maintenance Routine
- Perform crankcase inspection.
- Pressure test and adjust fuel injectors.
- Change the turbocharger blower and turbine-side oil.
- Check tappet clearances and engine performance.
2000-Hour Maintenance Routine
- Check crankshaft alignment and plot graphs to compare with original figures.
- Ensure the engines are aligned to maintain optimal performance of the alternator bearings.
4000-Hour Maintenance Routine (Half Decarbonization)
- Recondition cylinder heads and remove carbon deposits.
- Inspect and lap exhaust and inlet valves.
- Overhaul starting air valves and renew gaskets and O-rings.
- Clean the cooling water spaces of the cylinder heads.
- Inspect piston tops and cylinder liner for combustion abnormalities.
8000-Hour Maintenance Routine (Full Decarbonization)
- Overhaul all pistons, change piston rings, and clean exhaust piping.
- Inspect big-end bearings and overhaul the turbocharger.
- Renew ball bearings and clean the silencer.
Common Reasons for Generator Failure to Start
If a generator fails to start, several factors could be responsible. Here’s a list of common issues:
- Low air bottle pressure or closed air line valves.
- Malfunction of air bottle isolating valve or distributor.
- Faulty control of air valves or insufficient control of air pressure.
- Jammed start air automatic valve or engaged turning gear.
- Faulty limit switch or control valve not in its end position.
- The auxiliary blower not running or not in auto mode.
- Low oil pressure due to an open exhaust valve or weak spring pressure.
- Defective or sticky cylinder air start valves.
Actions to Take for High Lube Oil Consumption After Generator Decarbonization
After completing decarbonization, if the lube oil consumption is abnormally high, take the following actions:
- Inspect all pipes and connections for leaks.
- Check if the lube oil return valve from the crankcase to the sump tank is properly closed.
How to Safely Remove a Stuck Hydraulic Jack
If a hydraulic jack becomes stuck, follow these steps to safely remove it:
- Ensure that the loosened nut moves freely and does not contact the piston.
- Slightly increase the hydraulic pressure and turn the nut 1/4 turn clockwise to loosen it from the piston.
- After loosening, release the hydraulic pressure and dismount the jack.
