Let's Go Inside The Engine's Crankcase | Chief MAKOi Seaman Vlog

Summary

This video takes viewers inside the life of a marine engineer aboard a ship, detailing the physical and mentally demanding work involved. From measuring the deflection of the main engine's crankshaft to performing test runs and tackling engine maintenance, the engineer shares his hands-on experiences. The script also highlights the camaraderie among the crew, emphasizing the importance of rest, food, and recreation to maintain morale. Through a mix of technical insights and personal reflections, the video paints a realistic yet engaging picture of life at sea for marine engineers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marine engineers work in challenging and physically demanding environments, often involving tasks like inspecting the crankcase of large diesel engines.
• 😀 One important task in engine maintenance is measuring the deflection of the crankshaft to assess bearing wear or misalignment.
• 😀 Proper lighting, such as a headlamp, is essential for working in tight, oily spaces to ensure safety and prevent slips.
• 😀 The crankshaft deflection measurement involves setting a dial gauge at various points on the crankshaft during its rotation to check for excessive bending.
• 😀 Crankshaft deflection measurements are taken at five key points, including the starting point, top and bottom dead center, and the port and starboard sides.
• 😀 These measurements help determine if the crankshaft's bending is within acceptable limits and reveal any bearings with excessive clearance.
• 😀 The first-time experience of taking measurements inside the crankcase can be intimidating but also exciting, providing an opportunity for growth and responsibility.
• 😀 For some, working inside the crankcase can be stressful due to the confined, dark, and slippery environment, but with experience, it becomes more manageable.
• 😀 Testing the main engine using the emergency or local control console requires disconnecting the remote control and establishing communication with the bridge for engine speed orders.
• 😀 Engineers must avoid running the engine at critical speeds (50-60 RPM) where heavy vibrations occur, adjusting the speed to stay out of this range.
• 😀 Seafarers work hard, but they also find ways to relax and bond, such as celebrating birthdays, sharing food and drinks, and enjoying karaoke on board, which helps ease the challenges of life at sea.

Q & A

What is one of the interesting jobs that Marine engineers do, as mentioned in the video?

One of the interesting jobs is working inside the crankcase of a huge diesel engine, which is hot, messy, and physically demanding.

Why is measuring the deflection of the main engine's crankshaft important?

Measuring the crankshaft deflection helps determine if the crankshaft is excessively bending, which could indicate main bearing wear or misalignment.

What equipment is used to measure the deflection of the crankshaft?

A dial gauge is used to measure the deflection of the crankshaft. It is placed between the crank webs, and the crank pin is repositioned to get accurate readings.

Who usually performs the crankshaft deflection measurement?

The second engineer typically carries out the crankshaft deflection measurement.

What role does lighting play when performing work inside the crankcase?

Adequate lighting, such as a headlamp, is essential to keep hands free and ensure a good grip on handholds, helping prevent slipping in the slippery, enclosed space.

What is the significance of the five measurement points during the crankshaft deflection process?

The five measurement points help determine the crankshaft's bending at various positions, which will indicate whether it falls within tolerable limits and if any main bearings have excessive clearance.

What is the critical speed range of the engine, and why is it important?

The critical speed range, marked by red tape on the RPM indicator (50 to 60 RPM), is where heavy vibration occurs. Engineers avoid this range by adjusting the engine's speed to prevent damaging vibrations.

How does the process of testing the main engine using the local control console work?

The remote control is disconnected, and the main engine is controlled using the local console. The engine is tested for both ahead and astern directions, after which the local console is secured, and the remote control is reconnected to ensure proper function.

How does the life of a seafarer on board a ship balance work and leisure?

While the work on board is physically and mentally demanding, there are also periods for rest and recreation, such as celebrating a crew member's birthday with beer and food, and using the karaoke machine for entertainment.

What is one way that the crew's morale is lifted on the ship?

Simple gestures, like providing beer for a birthday celebration and having a karaoke machine for entertainment, help boost the crew's spirits and make life on board a bit easier despite the hardships.