DieselShip's Online Content Library

Q5. Accidental grounding of the ship in which you are second engineer has occurred while on passage between ports.

a) Describe your immediate concerns as attempts are made to re-float the ship using the main engines (6)

b) Following failure to re-float and assuming operation on residual fuel at the time of the accident state your next priorities (5)

c) Describe any checks or inspection you Consider necessary before restarting the main engine after the ship has been re-floated (5)

Q5. a) Describe the actions and checks required to ensure that a crosshead main propulsion engine may be operated in a slow steaming condition. (8)

b) Explain the problems which may arise during a prolonged period of slow steaming. (4)

c) Explain what actions should be taken before and after the engine is returned to normal operation after a period of slow steaming. (4)

Q5. a) Explain why an engine’s cylinders should develop equal power at all loads, indicating the possible consequences if cylinder power balance is not maintained (6)

b) Describe ONE method which may be used for assessing cylinder power, explaining the steps involved in the assessment (4)

C) Explain how the cylinder power adjustments are made to achieve cylinder power balance (6)

Q4. With reference to abnormal and excessive cylinder liner wear

(a) Explain how may be caused, stating how it is detected: (4)

(b) Explain the effects and consequences of excessive cylinder liner wear (4)

(c)  Explain how abnormal cylinder liner wear may be prevented. (4)

(d) Explain how the liner wear rate is calculated. (4)

Q7. Analyse the problem of cylinder liner lubrication with reference to oil injection timing relative to piston position, speed and direction of motion. Describe the worst effects of inaccurate lubricant injection timing and how it can have a detrimental effect on developed power in the cylinder. Describe with sketches the arrangement for conveying the oil through the cylinder jacket. (16)

Q1. (a) Explain the factors you would consider in deciding whether to open up a cylinder unit for overhaul? After opening the unit and preparing for assembly, how would you decide whether to renew or re-use piston rings?

(b) List the causes of piston ring failure which may result in gas leakage or ring breakage.

Q5. Slow steaming has become the standard operation mode for many ship operators. Discuss various technical issues connected ‘slow steaming’, with particular reference to: (16)

a) Crosshead bearing damage in T/C cutout mode.

b) Cylinder liner cold corrosion

c) Exhaust valve damages

Q4. Misalignment of the main shafting between engine and propeller causes bearing overloads and shaft stress;

A. State the difficulties associated with checking shaft alignment and the reasons why results are unreliable due to external factors;

B. Explain with a simple sketch how a bearing load is assessed.

C. Explain how uneven loading could be rectified

Q4. a) What is the purpose and key procedures involved in the running-in process of a engine, and how does this process contribute to the long-term reliability and performance of the engine? (8)

b) What are the common issues that can arise during the running-in period of a engine, and what measures should be taken to monitor and address these issues to prevent potential damage or inefficiencies? (8)

Q4. With reference to Main engine piston rings:

(a) Analyze the causes of piston ring breakage.

(b) How maintenance and engine operation can minimize piston ring breakage.

(c) Explain the possible consequences with respect to performance and safety of operating the engine with broken or severely worn piston rings

Q7. A. Difficulty has been experienced in maintaining engine speed at the set value. State the possible causes and how each of these causes may be detected. (8)

B. Describe the action to be taken in order to ensure safe operation of the main engine plant in the event of complete failure of the remote control and sensing equipment. (8)

Q5. Discuss the consequences of failure to maintain correct clearances in the case of main diesel engine crankshaft and bottom end bearings. Sketch a bottom end bearing paying particular attention to the arrangement of ensuring uninterrupted flow of oil to the top end bearing.