Main Engine Crankcase Inspection

Safety Precautions before Crankcase Inspection:
*Ask Bridge for propeller clearance.
*Have proper Immobilization Certificate by the port authorities.
*Carry out Tool Box Meeting and discuss out important aspects of the operation.
*Enclosed space check list needs to be filled and followed.
*Shutoff of main air staring valve and air bottle main valve.
*Open indicator cocks and engage turning gear.
*Ensure engine has been turned for at least half an hour before stopping lube oil pump and cross head lubrication pump.
*Stop lube oil pumps and cross head oil pump and place the circuit breakers in OFF-position.
*Place “Don’t start - Men at work”-placards.
*Open crankcase door and ventilate properly for at-least an hour.
*Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), e.g. helmet, boots, water proof boiler suit, gloves etc.
*Use lamp with safeties such as rubber coating and metal mesh on bulb, torches and tools.
*Make sure that you carry counted number of tools inside and count them back when boxing up the crank case.
*A responsible person must be available outside at all times during the inspection.

Inspection Procedure to follow:
*Firstly check oil condition for any smell, discoloration or degradation.
*Turn the engine to BDC and start checking from under stuffing box area for any sign of black oil, an indication of stuffing box leaking.
*Check the piston rod surface for scoring marks and roughness.
*Check piston palm bolts and locking device for slackness and fretting by hammering using a brass hammer.
*Check the guide and guide shoe bearing's condition and the area around frame where guide is attached for any visible cracks.
*Check that the guide shoe end cover bolts are in place and not slack.
*Check X-head bearing general condition.
*Evaluate top and bottom end of connecting rod bolt, nut and locking device for slackness, signs of fretting, etc.
*Check for sliding of bottom end bearing (axial movement) or floating of connecting rod.
*Check for slip of webs and journal by checking the reference mark.
*Check cross girder, area around main bearing & bearing-keep for sign of cracks and check around main bearing.
*All bearings must be checked for silvery color (indicates bearing wiping).
*Check the surroundings of the oil pan area of all units for any sludge deposits, bearing metal pieces, etc.
*Check crank case relief door- wire mesh (should be wet), spring tension, sealing ring condition, etc.
*Check the teeth of transmission gear for sign of wear at the chain case.Check chain drive for tightness.
*Inspect OMD sampling pipe to be clear of obstructions.
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Carryout CRANK SHAFT DEFLECTION.
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*Start lube oil pump and x-head lubricating pump and check for the oil flow and distribution.
*Check crankcase door sealing condition and close the crankcase door.
*Inform chief engineer (for satisfactory checking of crank case) and duty officer!
*Fill out the inspection survey form and get it signed by C/E.
*Fill out the Crankshaft deflection form and keep in the record book!
*Mention with time that Crankcase Inspection was carried out in the E/R Log Book!