I’m in the process of overhauling a Deutz BF10L513 genset for an offshore operator in our workshop with Ed.
During the inspection of the camshaft, we found something that if left unchecked would have caused catastrophic engine failure if left to run for just a few more hours…
All of the cam followers are worn and pitted and more concerningly, one had completely snapped.
These will be replaced during the overhaul, but I just wanted to point out that there would be no signs of this issue when running, making it dangerously easy to get to point of failure if regular overhauls and maintenance routines are not followed.
Some of the causes of this damage to cam followers are:
- Valve recession
- Oil beginning to breakdown
- Too long between services/overhauls*
*This was not the case here.
Luckily the operator sticks to the maintenance plan for their engines and any major issues have been avoided.
