Recondition of Components

Reconditioning is the maintenance of engine components. It is a quite cost-effective method that allows for parts to be given new leases. The cost of reconditioning is approximately half of obtaining a new one. Reconditioning can restore a used component in a way that it operates as good as a new one. It will have the same performance, dimensions, specifications, quality, lifetime and warranty as a new component.

There are two alternatives to reconditioning: reconditioning on the customer’s component and reconditioning on exchange.

In the first model, the customer’s components are reconditioned. The customer can send the component for reconditioning to a qualified service provider. There, the component is given expert reconditioning and returned to the customer. This practice has many advantages.

1) It covers many components, such as valve seats and exhaust valves, pistons, piston skirts, cylinder covers, fuel injection gear, as well as other parts, like bearings, connecting rods, cylinder heads, etc. 2) The reconditioning occurs are at a professional workshop under modern methods, proper materials and expert personnel. 3) Components provided for reconditioning are given individual numbers and traced at all times so that the client can track the process. 4) The reconditioned component is given a temporary warranty. 5) A service provider can handle a customer on a fleet-wide scale.

The second model is reconditioning on exchange. In this model, the service provider delivers a new component that has just been reconditioned. They install the component required to the engine and retrieve the old part to return to the service provider.

This model has some advantages, such as 1) The client does not have to worry about sending or retrieving components. The provider covers the delivery and retrieval of components, as well as installation. 2) The client has been provided a cost-effective method that allows for greater flexibility in operations. 3) The service can be performed on-site and not at a workshop.

Importance of Reconditioning

A service provider operates in the industry of shipping, as well as shipbuilding. Most components can be reconditioned according to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. A reconditioned marine engine can function with honing to its components, hydraulic cylinders, and compressors. Components can be cleaned before disassembled and diagnosed. The cylinder lines are checked for cracks in the flange before being machined. After the component’s cleaning and honing, their surface’s roughness and cross-hatch are worked in order to provide restoration to specifications. Then, the records of the above are saved in the service provider’s database and given to the client.

When operating on pistons, the ring grooves and shoulder-play are measured and re-machined. The cylinder heads are given for on-site disassembly, and their components are provided for measuring and machining. The valves are blasted with sand before given for examination and inspection of cracking on their surfaces. Valve guides are replaced. Cylinder heads are tested against pressure and temperature.

The workshop then machines the seat surfaces and bores out the seats. The connecting rods are inspected. Serrations can be built from scratch, and the bores are restored to original dimensions. Special cross-cut rods are given other treatments. In the event that small-end bushes are damaged, the service provider can bring new ones, which are then freeze-fitted. Cap bolts are brought in for replacement.