Preparation for Main Engine Starting
Before starting the engine, the following checks and procedures must be followed:
All components that have been overhauled should have been correctly reassembled and fitted and their function checked.
All devices and tools which were used, have been removed from the engine and that no cleaning rags or other items have been left behind.
CAUTION Up until item ‘m’ below, the air shut-off valve for starting, 2.03, must be closed and the venting valve 2.21, on the side of the shut-off valve, must be open.
(Note: Valve numbering refers to those in the engine manufacturer’s manual.)
a) Check the fluid levels of all the tanks in the engine systems including the leakage drain tanks.
b) Check that all the shut-offs for the engine cooling water and lubricating oil systems are in the correct position.
c) Open the air supply to the shipboard system and from the starting air receivers to the control air supply.
d) Prepare the fuel system
e) Start up the pumps for cylinder cooling water, crankcase bearing and crosshead bearing lubricating oil and set the pressures to their normal values. Preheat the cooling water to 60°C.
f) Check to ensure that all systems have been correctly vented and that there is a positive flow of cooling water and lubricating oil.
g) Open the indicator cock on each cylinder cover. Using the turning gear, turn the engine through a minimum of one full revolution to check that all the running gear is in order. Check if any water, oil or fuel has collected on the piston crown. Operate the cylinder pre-lubrication system. Shut the indicator cocks.
h) Check to ensure that all the crankcase doors are closed with all the latches tight.
i) Check to ensure that cut-out devices for all the fuel injection pumps are correctly positioned for normal fuel pump operation and that the exhaust valve actuator pumps are also ready for operation, i.e. the cut-out devices are removed.
j) Check that the fuel regulating linkage moves freely.
At the auxiliary maneuvering stand disengage the fuel control lever from the position REMOTE CONTROL and engage it into the regulating linkage lever. Loosen the fuel control lever lock, pull the hand-grip upwards and move the fuel control lever backwards and forwards between the range 0 and 10. After carrying out this check, put the fuel control lever back to the position REMOTE CONTROL and lock it by tightening the wing nuts of the hand wheel.
k) Check the pressure in the starting air receivers and open the receiver drains until any condensate has been completely drained.
l) Open the drain and test valve 2.06 on the shut-off valve for starting air until all water has been drained.
m) Close venting valve 2.21 at the shut-off valve for starting air and open the main shut-off valves on the starting air receivers.
n) Turn the hand wheel on the shut-off valve for starting air until the pointer is at the AUTOMATIC position. The pressure gauges on the pressure gauge panel should now indicate the following pressures: • Safety control air and standby supply for air spring air on the pressure reducing valve 23HA – 6.0kg/cm2 • Air spring air supply on the pressure reducing valve 19HA – 7.5kg/cm2 • Control air standby supply on the pressure reducing valve 19HB – 7.0kg/cm2
o) Set the switch at the control panel for the auxiliary blowers to AUTOMATIC.
p) Bring the safety cut-out to operating position.
q) Press the EMERGENCY STOP button on the control panel and observe if the safety cut-out on the fuel injection pumps reacts, i.e. their suction valves are lifted. After this check, press the EMERGENCY STOP RESET button.
r) Check whether the pressure gauge on the supply unit for cylinder lubrication indicates 40kg/cm2.
s) Take out the turning gear and secure the lever.
t) Open the test valve 2.06 of the main automatic starting air shut-off valve 2.03 for a short time and listen for the valve opening which can be heard distinctly. Close the valve again.
u) Check the hydraulic system of the exhaust valve drive for tightness.
v) The levers on the local maneuvering stand must be put into the position from which the engine will be started, i.e., the bridge, the control room or the auxiliary local stand. The changeover buttons of the remote control must be activated.
w) Check again to ensure that no personnel are near the flywheel.
x) Inform the bridge.
References:
Machinery Systems Operating Manual
by Iran Hengam