Last week we had two Caterpillar C32 propulsion engines in our workshop for an hours-based overhaul. After starting the dismantling and inspection process, we identified issues on each engine that would have gone unnoticed if the operator had not removed the engines for overhaul and continued running them instead. If left unchecked, these issues would have led to catastrophic failure and possible engine replacement whilst stranding the vessel....

Our engineer, Cris, has just returned from a high-profile client site, exchanging a Dorman 6PTCR engine for a Doosan PU158, which was being managed by the site engineers.(Sorry, but no photos this week because of site restrictions.)The new engine is now fully operational, but not without us correcting alignment issues including:• The modified bedframe was not ground and did not match expected measurements – we had to manufacture a...

Over the Christmas period, we were busy preparing for various upcoming work scopes, including the overhaul of a Cummins KTA 3067 set (based on a KTA50 engine). During the initial survey and dismantle, we found ourselves having a conversation we’ve had many times with different operators and one I’m sure you’ll be familiar with! The initial engine symptoms were abnormal knocking noise and excessive smoke, and it was during the...

Last week Edward – our new apprentice – got his first taste of a marine engine room and his first key lesson from such an experience. We were called to the vessel to resolve the exhaust leak on an MTU 12V2000 engine, so Edward and one of our MTU trained engineers headed over there. Once onboard, their first task was to remove the lagging and disassemble the exhaust to check the condition of the gasket and mating surfaces, and any...

As we continued with the Caterpillar 3412 engine RCA I mentioned last week, we came across more major damage caused by the oil starvation. (If you missed the previous post, click here). As described by a friend of mine, who was the Technical Manager for ABB turbochargers;“The turbocharger normally is the device that is the longest distance from the pump and is the first to feel the effects of lubrication failure.”And this is exactly...

This week we are carrying out a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) into a failed Caterpillar 3412 engine and it’s a great example of the damage that can be caused by a lack of proper lubrication (if you can use the word “great” to talk about damage!)The heat at the big end was so excessive that the bearing shell distorted, damaging the crank pin in the process, and evidence of the temperatures is shown in the bluing of the...