Service Letter SL2017-645/JNN

Action code: WHEN CONVENIENT

Fretting/Corrosion in Main
Bearing Bore

SL2017-645/JNN
April 2017
Dear Sirs
Concerns
This service letter gives important information regarding development Owners and operators of
of fretting/corrosion on main bearing caps. MAN four-stroke diesel engines.
Type:
In service, we occasionally observe fretting/corrosion between the Marine: L21/31, L27/38, L23/30H,
main bearing shell and the main bearing cap on engines without main L28/32H
bearing temperature sensors. Stationary: L21/31S, L27/38S, L23/30S,
L28/32S
The fretting/corrosion is caused by relative movement between the Propulsion: L21/31, L27/28, L23/30(A),
bearing shell and cap during engine operation. The result is that water V23/30(A), L28/32(A), V28/32(A)
and oil can migrate between the bearing shell and cap through the Dual Fuel: L23/30DF, L28/32DF
sensor hole and cause the observed wear patterns on the bearing
running surface. References
SL13-582, Lube oil treatment
As the extent and development of the observed corrosion are related B 12 15 0
to the presence of water in the lube oil, we recommend keeping the Treatment and maintenance of lube oil
water content at an absolute minimum at all time, reference is made B 98 01 1
to SL13-582. Storage of GenSet in cold condition
B 98 01 1
In case fretting/corrosion on the bearing cap is not addressed, it may Storage of the GenSet engine during lay
cause severe engine damage due to bearing failure. up in warm condition

If you have any questions or comments, please forward your mail to

LEO7-HOL@mandieselturbo.com with reference to this service letter.

Yours faithfully

Mikael C. Jensen Stig B. Jakobsen

Vice President, Senior Manager,
Engineering Operation

MAN Diesel & Turbo
H. Christoffersensvej 6
4960 Holeby
Denmark
Phone: +45 54 69 31 00
Fax: +45 54 69 30 30
mandieselturbo-hol@mandieselturbo.com
www.mandieselturbo.com
MAN Diesel & Turbo MAN Diesel & Turbo
Niels Juels Vej 15 Branch of MAN Diesel & Turbo SE,
9900 Frederikshavn Germany
Denmark CVR No.: 31611792
Phone: +45 96 20 41 00 Head office: Teglholmsgade 41
Fax: +45 96 20 40 30 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
mandieselturbo-frh@mandieselturbo.com German Reg.No.: HRB 22056
Amtsgericht Augsburg
Service Letter SL2017-645/JNN

Fig 1: Example of fretting/corrosion and related visible imprint on the main bearing shell

Depending on the extention of the fretting/corrosion it may be possible to dress up the main bearing cap by controlled hand
grinding of this.
The bottom end of the bearing bore may be reduced by maximum 0.05 mm with the dressing tool. Maximum allowable dress-
ing area is 50 degrees on each side of the sensor hole, see Fig. 2.

Maximum allowable dressing is

50 degrees on each side of the
temperature sensor hole.

Maximum allowable depth of

the dressing work is 0.05 mm.

Fig 2: Allowable dressing area and depth

Fretting/Corrosion in Main Bearing Bore. Page 2 of 4

Service Letter SL2017-645/JNN

Fig 3: Example of tool for dressing work

Before starting the dressing work, take two reference measurements on each side of the main bearing cap in order to be able
to check the depth of the performed dressing, see Fig. 4.

Fig 4: Two reference measurements must be taken before the dressing work is initiated

Fretting/Corrosion in Main Bearing Bore. Page 3 of 4

Service Letter SL2017-645/JNN

Dressing beyond 0.05 mm is not allowed. In case the fretting/corrosion cannot be removed within this limit, the shaft line must
be re-machined by an authorized workshop.

The sealing compound

must reach the same level
as the bearing cap. Make
sure to wipe off all sealing
compound from the sur-
face of the bearing cap.

Fill the bore with sealing

compound; e.g. EN14AP

¼-inch plug and copper gasket

In order to stop further development of the fretting/corrosion, we recommend to plug the hole in the main bearing cap and fill
the bore with a sealing compound; e.g. EN14AP.

As a first precaution for engines in service, plugging of the holes can be performed without applying the sealing compound to
the hole. This may be done at first opportunity; for example in connection with a main bearing inspection.

After the dressing work has been performed, new main bearings must be installed.
The backside of the bearing as well as the mating surface of the bearing cap must be cleaned and degreased using an ap-
propriate cleaning detergent before installation of the new bearing shell.

Before starting the engine, the deflection of the crankshaft must be measured. If the limits are exceeded, the cause must be
determined and rectified.

The above dressing work requires specialist knowledge and skills. Therefore, we recommend to contact our worldwide
PrimeServ organisation for assistance with dressing work carried out on your engine.

Fretting/Corrosion in Main Bearing Bore. Page 4 of 4