One of our company values is continuous improvement and we’ve recently taken on a new member of the team to improve on one specific area that I think is relevant for any operator. Two weeks ago, John started with us on a STEP placement to review and develop our engineering Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Having been trading for 32 years, we already have plenty of experience on how we look after critical engines, so why do we feel the need...

We have two ABB VTC 254-13 turbochargers being overhauled in our workshop and they both offer a stark reminder of what could be going on, unseen, in many operational turbos. I haven’t got information on the history of these turbochargers, but they’ve been sent to us as part of an engine overhaul and I thought it was worth sharing what we found: • Considerable damage to the compressor wheel blades. Some material has been removed and blades...

We’re currently working with a long-standing offshore client to carry out the urgent test and calibration of an overspeed switch from their #Detroit 8V71 turbine starter. The trip test speed was unknown by the operator, and with all engine protection devices, it is vital to ensure it will work safely and effectively when called upon. To avoid actually overspeeding the engine (or worse, should the switch fail), the switch was sent to us to carry...

Recently we were completing the health check and maintenance routine on one of four back-up generators and found the result of problems caused because a much-needed upgrade hadn’t been carried out. It was obvious there was a problem when we removed the injectors for a borescope inspection on these Mirrlees Blackstone engines and found a pool of coolant on top of the piston. Looking into the cause, we found the injector tube had cracked, and the...

Last week we were sent a couple of Woodward PSG governors in need of an overhaul.They’ve been in constant use on a ferry for the last 16 years without ever leaving the engines and the whole exercise has highlighted what can happen if these vital assemblies do not have any routine maintenance.Knowing the importance of effectively performing governors, the vessel owners had fitted new units but wanted the old units overhauled, so they could...

One of our client’s Deutz DFP6 1013 C20 fire pumps failed the other day, and our engineer Andy has been looking into the root cause.And what he’s found is a great example of how much damage can be caused even on low hours engines and how it can be prevented.The engine arrived at Bartech after excessive movement was found on the crankshaft, and an assessment was needed to see if the engine could be repaired, or if a replacement was...