Service Letter RT-05/06

23.05.2006
Technical Information to all Owners / Operators
of Sulzer RTA and RT-flex Engines build after May 2004

Start Pilot Valves with Pistons

of Incorrect Material

Contents: Page

1. Introduction 1

2. Engines concerned 1

3. Parts concerned 1

4. Problem description 1

5. Check 2

6. Reporting and exchange 2

Attachments:

1. Extract from Service Bulletin 3

RTA-21 for reference
2. Reporting form 4

Wärtsilä Switzerland Ltd PO Box 414 Tel. +41 52 262 23 30

Wärtsilä Schweiz AG CH-8401 Winterthur Fax +41 52 212 71 03
Wärtsilä Suisse SA Switzerland E-mail: techservice.ch@wartsila.com
1 INTRODUCTION
We have been informed by the manufacturer of the start pilot valves that since April 2004 a small
but unknown number of valves have been delivered with control pistons of nylon rather than
brass. This could lead to starting problems.

2 ENGINES CONCERNED
All Sulzer RTA and RT-flex engines built after May 2004 (RT-flex 50 not included).

3 PARTS CONCERNED
On top of the cylinder starting valve sits the 5/2 way start pilot valve. Inside are two control
pistons, see item 04 in the right hand figure.

Position of starting pilot valve, example. Cross section of the valve.

4 PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
The two pistons should be made of brass. Due to a mistake at the valve supplier in at least one
production series, pistons of synthetic material (nylon) were mounted. Nylon pistons have low
heat resistance and are easily damaged if exhaust gas leaks into the starting valves.

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5 CHECK
We recommend checking the material of all these valves. This can easily be done by removing the
valve cover (see attachment 2) and take out the piston.

6 REPORTING AND EXCHANGE

If you find nylon pistons in some of your valves, please report them using the attached form.
ƒ For engines under warranty contact your warrantee agent at the engine builder/shipyard.
ƒ For engines out of warranty contact your local Wärtsilä Service Representative.

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Attachment 1: Extract from Service Bulletin RTA-21 for reference.
The modification of synthetic valves to brass valves was introduced in 1995. This Service Bulletin
was published on 10.04.1995.

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Attachment 2: Reporting form

5/2 Way Valve (shown in picture as solenoid)

Ship-Name:
………………………………
Engine:
………………………………

For 1 valve per F.No.: open 4 screws "S" and check the piston material Brass or synthetic material

Cylinder F. No. valve body F. No. Piston material Remarks

# solenoid

Synthetic
Brass material
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
Spares

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