WHEN THE MOST DIFFICULT IS NOT THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE CONDITION; BUT THE CONTEXT IN WHICH IT HAPPENS.

By. Odlanier José Mendoza

The present case of a compression leak diagnosis in a Waukesha L36GSI with 34518 Hrs of operation, only 348 Hrs after the Botton Overhaul (34170 Hrs).

Perhaps making the diagnosis of compression leakage is not the most complex part of this case, if the correct interpretation of the vibration/ultrasound waveforms is achieved and we are able to correctly focus on the existing correlation between the data collected in the monitoring, with the operational data and the complementary activities to be carried out to determine the component responsible for the detected condition; The most complex thing turns out to be the scenario under which the diagnosis was made.

The most complex part of this case was telling the client that his engine, which had just come out of a Botton Overhaul maintenance, where they were replaced for new components, those components that according to the manufacturer's manual must be replaced in this type of maintenance; presents a condition that threatens the integrity of the equipment. And more complex is when the execution of maintenance was the responsibility of a third party, that is, another contractor.

That is why it is very important to have a systematic approach and process to count with the supports that demonstrate the veracity of the condition to the personnel involved in the case.

• Detection of the condition - Inspection / Monitoring / Analysis – Diagnosis

• Effect of condition on operational parameters – 5R cylinder high temperature

Compression test – Recommendation made to support the diagnosis of compression leak in a more tangible way.

Disassembly / Visual inspection to determine the physical extent of the condition

Final comments:

• Detection and diagnosis were effective and timely. A major failure that would affect the cylinder head, liner, piston, exhaust manifold and even the turbo was avoided.
• An exhaust valve seat problem was diagnosed as the cause of the compression leak, based on the behavior of the ultrasound waveform; however, in this case, the high cylinder temperature was a factor that helped in the diagnosis.
• The systematic approach of the case allows to have a better synergy between the parties involved and to generate opportune actions to avoid a functional failure.