Inspection of running gear of Main diesel engine:

The primary purpose of inspecting the running gear is to ensure all components are operating efficiently and to detect defects before they result in failure or breakdown

Inspection process:

Safety Precautions Prior to Work:

1. Shut off the main starting air valve.
2. Drain the starting air line.
3. Open indicator cocks and engage the turning gear.
4. Stop the lubricating oil pump.
5. Close Fuel oil inlet to fuel pumps.
6. Lock out and tag out with a "MEN AT WORK" sign.
7. Inform the bridge and obtain propeller clearance.
8. Open the crankcase door and scavenge space, then ventilate.
9. Arrange for adequate lighting and tools.
10. Wear appropriate safety gear.

Crankcase Inspection:

• Check the lubricating oil condition for any unusual smell, discolouration, or degradation.
• Verify witness marks to detect any crankshaft journal or web slippage.
• Inspect bedplate girders for cracks.
• Measure crankshaft deflection.
• Visually assess the condition of bearings and measure bearing clearances.
• Check the tightness of bolts on bearing covers and non-end piston palm bolts.
• Check for axial movement in bottom-end bearings.
• Inspect crosshead clearances and check the guide shoe and guide rail for damage.
• Check the condition of the stuffing box bottom and crankcase relief valve.
• Inspect the crankcase door gasket and ensure the OMD sampling pipe is clear.
• Check the tightness and elongation of the chain drive.
• Examine the condition of gear teeth for wear.
• Check the timing and condition of pumps and cams for wear or slippage.

Scavenge Space and Under-Piston Space Inspection:

• Inspect the piston and piston rings for any breakage, sticking, carbon deposits, or micro-seizures.
• Examine the liner condition from the scavenge port using photographs.
• Verify that scavenge space flaps are operating correctly.
• Check the condition of the auxiliary blowers.
• Ensure the scavenge drain is clear.

Potential Defects:

• Fatigue cracks in the crankshaft
• Crankshaft slippage or cracks.
• Incorrect bearing clearances.
• Slack chain drive.
• Broken piston rings.
• Polished liners (indicating excessive wear).
• Worn cams.
• Cam slippage.
• Bearing damage (abrasion, erosion, fatigue, corrosion, wiping).
• Gear tooth wear (smooth polished appearance, abrasive wear, pitting, spalling/flaking, scuffing/galling).