Marine Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting Q&A

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Mechanical Manufacturing

1. Why Do We Have Tappet Clearance?

For thermal clearance.

2. What Does Scavenge Mean?

Using fresh air to remove spent gases.

3. Name Two Types of Engine Sensors and Their Operation?

  • Temperature
  • Pressure

4. TDC Is Used as a Base

Reference point for exhaust inlet valves and fuel injection.

5. What Does Reduction Mean with Regard to a Gearbox?

The use of a smaller gear to turn a larger one.

6. Explain the Difference Between 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Cycles

A two-stroke engine is lighter, less efficient, and fuel lubricated.

7. What Are the Advantages of a Vee-Form Engine?

A vee-form engine is lighter, smaller, and more balanced.

8. What Are the Jobs of the Camshaft and Crankshaft?

The camshaft moves the valves, and the crankshaft transfers power throughout from the pistons.

9. Viscosity

Resistance to flow.

10. Name Three Contaminants in Fuel?

  • Water
  • Sediment
  • Growth

11. Exhaust Smoke

  • White: Vapor (blown head gasket)
  • Black: Rich mixture (clogged air filter)
  • Blue: Lead (incorrect lubrication)

12. MARPOL

Marine Pollution Convention.

13. What Would Be Your Main Maintenance Considerations on a Bilge Pump?

  • Clean area
  • Test switch and pump
  • Check lines, hardware, and operation

14. What Procedure Would You Adapt to Work on Electricity?

  • Inform captain
  • Isolate / signage
  • Lock and tag
  • Test equipment you are working on
  • Test the tester on a known source of supply

15. What Gas Does a Lead-Acid Battery Produce?

Hydrogen.

16. What Are Your Maintenance Procedures?

  • Test gravity
  • Drop test tool
  • Condition
  • Level

17. Name Two Types of Cathodic Protection?

Impressed current and cathodic protection.

18. Name Three Potential Engine Room Fires

  • Accidental discharge of fluids onto surfaces above the autoignition point
  • Electrical fire due to loose connection
  • Improper flammable materials storage/disposal

19. Describe How to Bleed a Fuel System

  • You have to drop the injectors
  • Spin the wheel to come out by diesel injectors
  • Close injectors

20. What Is PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment.

21. How Does a Turbocharger Work?

Two turbines are connected by a single input shaft, and the other exhaust is released into the pistons with pressure.