This week we are working on a Mercedes Benz 400 series engine which is used in a crane on an oil platform. The engine had been experiencing problems resulting in cracked manifolds and turbocharger housings which is why it’s in our workshop, but during our inspection of the supplied spares set, we’ve been able to prevent another problem. Originally the engine had been taken out of service by another company who had ordered a set of spares for...

We’re currently overhauling a complete generator set in our workshop. It’s one of four identical sets owned by the operator, and like a lot of operators, they usually operate under a service exchange programme, where one engine is replaced with another after a specified period of time. This time though, they’ve thought differently about the work scope to reduce the costs and disruption. As a complete package, we are responsible for the overhaul...

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...