Overhauling
Overhauling is the process of removing, disassembling, cleaning, inspecting and, if necessary, repairing an engine before testing it against its factory specifications. It is a process involving honing the engine, adjusting it, and adding components when required. Overhauling differs from the process of repairing because it is a complete teardown of the unit. A top overhaul is an on-site replacement of the cylinder’s components without the engine being removed from the vessel.
A marine diesel engine is the vessel’s source of energy and the driving factor of its every movement. The engine is the vessel’s core machinery, and keeping it in shape is crucial, both for regulatory reasons, as well as monetary. Some of the processes involved in engine overhauling are as follows: 1) Overhaul and recalibration of the fuel pump. 2) Overhaul of the governor. 3) Overhaul of the injector. 4) Overhaul of the water pump. 5) Overhaul of the cylinder head valve and seat grinding. 6) Overhaul of the cylinder block.
The Importance of Overhauling
At 2000 hours of vessel operation, the stuffing box needs to be checked, maintained, and overhauled. The stuffing box is the isolation that prevents oil and gas expenditure from the engine.
At 4000 hours of engine running, the exhausts and inlet valves need to be overhauled in a process known as half-decarbonization. The valves are also inspected and, if required, overhauled. The camcase is also checked.
At 8000 hours of operation, the engine needs to be adequately inspected and dismantled. In particular, the piston assembly needs to be overhauled.
At 20000 h., the spring dampers should be overhauled. The above processes are not only necessary for the vessel’s proper function, but for the avoidance of risk of damages to the engine and the ship’s operations.
The market has predicted a growth of ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul on the range of 8%. This is due to maritime disputes stemming from the ever-increasing drive for fleets to be maintained, repaired, and overhauled.
As such, the need for right MRO service providers has risen accordingly. MRO service providers must offer Main and Auxiliary engine qualitative services. Their engineers must have certificates and operated in the market for a long time. Besides MRO, engineers must be able to provide preventative maintenance. Service providers for overhauling must be available at all times and on a global scale. They must be qualified and certified and have professional expertise. They need to be able to provide service reports and offer repair solutions that range on all ships.