PAST  EXAMS                      QUESTIONS  

                     

M otor E ngineering K nowledge

 
1. Describe the sequence of actions when preparing the main engine, from cold, for sea service.
Assume that the engine has been shut down for a long period of time.
2. State the actions to be taken by the EOOW to prepare a main propulsion diesel engine plant
from a cold condition to that of a condition ready for manoeuvring.
3. State the reason for turning the engine with the turning gear prior to starting.
a)
b) State the reason for leaving the indicator cocks on main engine cylinders open when the
engine is turned initially with the turning gear.
c) State the reason for leaving the lubricating oil circulating after “Finish with Engines”.
d) State why diesel alternator cooling water may be circulated through the main engine
after shutdown.
4. With respect to main propulsion engine, state the immediate action to be taken as an EOOW in
the event of the following, stating one reason for each:
a) Turbocharger repeatedly surging;
b) Air start manifold/branch pipe overheating local to one unit;
c) Low scavenge air temperature alarm;
d) Engine misfires “fuel rail pressure low” alarm activates, booster pump pressure high.

5. a) State four possible factors leading to a scavenge fire .

b) State four indications of a scavenge fire.
c) State two dangers of allowing a scavenge fire to exist.
d) State four actions to be taken by the EOOW on discovering:
(i) A scavenge fire in one engine unit only;
(ii) A scavenge fire in several engine units at the same time.

6. Explain the procedure to be carried out before the inspection of the scavenge space on
a)
a large 2-stroke diesel engine.
b) State four reasons for carrying out a scavenge space inspection.
c) Describe the actions to be taken by the EOOW on discovering a scavenge fire.

7. With reference to the operation of main propulsion engine, outline the importance of each of following:
a) Maintaining the temperature of the scavenge air above the dewpoint;
b) Maintaining the fuel at the correct viscosity for injection;
c) Regular on board testing of the lubricating oil;
d) Ensuring rotation of the exhaust valves.

8. Describe the function of each of the following components of a diesel engine:

a) Chocks;
b) Bedplate;
c) Tie rods;
d) Entablature;
e) Holding down bolts;
f) Crankshaft.

 
  
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9. With reference to high viscosity fuel oil:

a) Explain how it is treated between storage tank and main engine;
b) State the purpose for the treatment.

10. a) State why the simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air into a main engine
cylinder is undesirable.
b) Explain how simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air is prevented.
c) Explain how a leaking air start valve is detected while the engine is running.
d) Describe the actions to be taken upon discovery of a leaking air start valve.

11. a) Describe the test that is carried out on a fuel injector after overhaul and before it is
refitted to the engine.
b) Sketch a section through the nozzle of a fuel injector.
c) State the stages of on board preparation of heavy fuel oil prior to use.

12. Sketch an “out of phase” (draw card) for a 2-stroke diesel engine and indicate the point of
the fuel injection.

13. a) With respect to the fuel injection timing of a 2-stroke diesel engine, what would be the
effect of:
(i) Early injection;
(ii) Late injection.

14. a) Describe the test which is carried out on a fuel injection after overhaul.
b) Sketch a section through the nozzle of a fuel injector.

15. a) Sketch a camshaft timing chain arrangement indicating how the chain tension is adjusted.
b) State two items of ancillary equipment that can be driven via the timing chain.

16. With reference to auxiliary boilers:

a) Explain how scale forms on the heating surfaces;
b) State two reasons why scale is undesirable;
c) State how scale build up is prevented from forming in steam boilers.

17. a) State four possible reasons for the boiler feed pump failing to maintain the water level in
an auxiliary boiler.
b) Upon rectification of the fault in Q17 a) describe the start up sequence of the boiler.

18. State four circumstances under which the fuel supply to the burners of an auxiliary boiler
would be automatically cut off, giving a reason why each circumstance requires the fuel to be
cut off.

19. List four safety or alarm devices fitted to an automatically controlled auxiliary boiler
indicating how each of these devices may be tested.

 
  
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20. a) State the effect on auxiliary boiler operation in the event of the following alarm condition:
(i) High water level;
(ii) Low water level;
(iii) Extra-low or low-low water level.
b) Describe the procedure for blowing down a low-pressure boiler gauge glass.
c) How often should a low-pressure boiler gauge glass be blown down?

21. a) With the aid of simple sketches describe the procedure for blowing through a boiler
gauge glass.

22. a) Explain the sequence of events that occur on pressing the start button of an
automatically controlled oil fired package steam boiler.
b) State three reasons why the boiler in Q22 a) would automatically shut down during the
starting sequence.

23. State the possible cause, and outline the remedial action that should be take when each of
the following faults occur during starting up of an automatic package boiler.
a) The boiler starts and the fan runs with the control dampers correctly positioned, the
boiler then locks out before purging is completed;
b) The boiler purges correctly, but the ignitors fail to spark and the boiler locks out;
c) The boiler purges correctly, the ignitors spark, but the boiler fails to light up and locks out;
d) The boiler flame flashes up but after about 5 seconds the automatic control locks the boiler out.

24. List eight mountings that are found on auxiliary marine boilers.

25. a) Sketch a typical power indicator card for a slow speed marine diesel engine.
b) Explain how the card may be used to assess the power developed in the cylinder.

26. With reference to main starting air compressors:

a) State three maintenance procedures that maintain their efficiency;
b) Describe the procedure for the manual starting of a compressor.
c) State how deterioration in the efficiency would be detected;
d) State four causes for deterioration in efficiency;
e) Describe a test for establishing performance.

27. With respect to 2-stage reciprocating compressors used for air start purposes:
a) State four reasons for a reciprocating compressor taking too long to fill the main air
starting bottles;
b) State four safety devices fitted to the air starting system of a large marine diesel engine;

28. With reference to 2-stage water-cooled reciprocating main engine starting air compressors:
a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, a protective device fitted to the waterside of the
intercooler or after-cooler.
b) Explain why the device described in Q28 a) is fitted.
c) Briefly describe the possible consequences should the device described in Q28 a) fail to operate.
29. With reference to a main engine air starting system:
a) List five important safety features fitted to the system;

 
  
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b) State how a leaking air start valve may be detected;

c) Briefly describe he dangers of allowing the condition mentioned in Q29 b) to persist.

30. Sketch a simple cross section through an air start valve for a marine diesel engine.

31. With reference to main engine turbochargers:

a) Explain their function;
b) State two advantage of fitting them;
c) Explain how they are cooled and lubricated.
d) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the operational principle of a main engine exhaust
gas turbocharger.
e) State the function of each of the following turbocharger system components:
(i) Suction filters;
(ii) Exhaust grids;
(iii) Charge air cooler.

32. a) State two reasons for fitting an exhaust gas turbocharger to an engine.
b) Describe the effect of dirty or restricted:
(i) Air filters;
(ii) Exhaust gas turbine.
c) Outline how the exhaust gas turbine is cleaned.

33. With reference to exhaust gas economisers:

a) State why regular soot blowing is considered necessary;
b) Explain why it is important to maintain the exhaust gas temperature above the dewpoint;
c) List three indications of an exhaust gas economiser fire;

34. a) State the name of the equipment used to give a warning of the presence of conditions
that could lead to an explosion in the crankcase of a diesel engine.
b) Sketch and describe the device used to relieve any excess pressure that might develop
as a result of a crankcase explosion in a diesel engine.
35. Enumerate the important actions to be taken by the EOOW in the event of an alarm
condition activated on the oil mist detector.

36. As EOOW explain the procedure to be followed in the event of a crankcase oil mist alarm on
a bridge controlled constant speed main propulsion engine fitted with a controllable pitch
propeller.

37. Describe, with the aid of sketches, the operating principle of 2-stroke diesel engines.

38. Describe, with the aid of sketches, the operation of 4-stroke cycle diesel engines.

39. Explain the constructional differences between 2-stroke slow speed and 4-stroke medium
speed diesel engines.

 
  
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40. a) State two differences between trunk type and crosshead type diesel engines.
b) Describe, with the aid of sketches, the combustion process of the 2-stroke CI engine.

41. a) Explain why the correct tappet clearance is essential on the inlet and exhaust valves of a
4-stroke diesel engine.
b) State the results of the tappet clearance being:
(i) Too large;
(ii) Too small.

42. a) In case of a main engine and CPP not responding to bridge control, describe the routine
for changing to Engine Room control.
b) Explain how manual control of the fuel pump delivery is achieved when emergency
manoeuvring on a large 2-stroke crosshead engine.

43. Draw a line diagram of a main lubricating oil system for a large 2-stroke crosshead type
diesel engine. Label all the main components of the system.