Tappets caused this?
The other day we were carrying out some inspections on a client’s engine when we came across the following. (Recognise them?)
The item at the bottom of the picture is the push rod from the engine we were working on, and the other is a serviceable part.
Clearly, there’s a bit of difference between them, with significant wear on the client’s push rod.
With these particular push rods (like most push rods), they are hardened on the surface, but beneath it, the material is softer.
So now they’ve worn through like this, the wear will rapidly increase and can cause significant issues.
And the cause was something that should be checked routinely as part of any maintenance schedule.
If the tappets had been inspected within the normal maintenance schedule, there would not have been enough movement to cause this extent of wear.
If it had continued, it could have resulted in problems with performance and efficiency; and more seriously, part seizures and failures, leading to major engine damage.
Do you currently check yours?
Snr Mechanical/Marine Eng., MBA, Master's degree thesis writer at Novia (postponed)
5 年Indications for incorrect tappet clearance could be found out piror exending of damage , known as high exhaust temp(tight clearance). , knocking on unit, smoke, power loss,... but it seems to be checked for clogged lubrication oil path on rocker arms . I should have told my own experience once received spare push rods without lubrication oil holes on its stem what was prone to buckle!
Chief Engineer, PSV at North Star Shipping Ltd.
6 年I guess, it was defected rod (manufacture"s defect). As this case is very seldom. Even if valve clearance was not adjusted, before any problem arise, it should be heard knocking from from cylinder head.
2nd Engineer Officer
7 年Lack of maintenance. They think they will save some money but it's the other way around. Thank you Paul for your emails and posts. They are helpful. Cheers