MEP: Crank Case Inspection (Detailed)

Main Engine Crank Case 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.Put a Placard, “Don’t start - Men at work”.
• 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 J/E or another 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 and 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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• Do CRANK SHAFT DEFLECTION, for procedure, click here!
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• Start lube oil pump and cross 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!

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