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ME118
B&W S60MC Main Engine Ahead and Astern Changing Function
Inability
Technical committee

1. Outline of breakdown

While proceeding through the Panama Canal, the main engine No. 4 cylinder lost ability to operate in
reverse.
When on-board inspections were carried out, it was discovered that the attachment nut for the revers-
ing cylinder piston had dropped off. [Fig. 1 (8)]
As the piston rod screw crests had been cut off, after inserting a taper pin, the nut and screw rod were
welded together and restored. It was replaced with a complete spare on the mainland.
There was no loosening in other cylinders.

2. Causes

The cause of screw crest breakage was nut loosening. Each time reversing operation was carried out, a
full load was applied to the nut. Due to faulty clearance adjustment within the reversing unit, the
clearance was lost. During reversing operation to the astern-side, it is surmised that the piston was
pulled and a great stress was applied to the nut.

3. Countermeasures

The maker suggested that the following main points should be observed when carrying out regular
maintenance.
1) At a suitable time, after removing the reversing cylinder cover and cylinder (POS 1, 2), the set
screws (2 – M4 x 6) should be loosened and the nuts (8) should be tightened. (tightening torque
L6MC/MCE 65NM, L80MC/MCE 65NM) After tightening, tighten the set screws sufficiently
(Fig. 1)
2) After replacing the gasket [POS (17)], reassemble the cover and cylinder and tighten the nuts (5).
(Fig. 1)
(tightening torque L60MC/MCE 12NM, L80MC/MCE 25NM).
3) After assembly, remove both ends of the control air, deliver ship general service air (until 6
kg/cm2) in one end and inspect whether there is air leakage from the other end. If air leakage is
large, it will be necessary to replace the rubber piston (9). If air leakage is slight, plans should be
made to replace (9) at a suitable occasion. As the life of the rubber and piston (9) is about 4 years,
maintenance plans should be carried out considering this factor.
4) It is recommended that the lock nuts be inspected about once every year.

1
Fig. 1 Reversing air cylinder

2
Fig. 2 Reversing air cylinder attachment condition