Industrial or Marine Diesel Engine (medium

Industrial or Marine Diesel Engine (medium - large) repairs

Maintaining the health and efficiency of industrial and marine diesel engines is crucial to avoid costly damage and downtime. At Metalock Engineering, we specialise in preventing and addressing bearing failures through our expert orbital machining services. Our highly accurate techniques help the restoration of your engine’s bearing journal diameters, keeping your engines running smoothly and safeguarding your valuable assets. Read on to discover how our services can enhance the reliability and efficiency of your operations.

Our Orbital Machining Services

Our engineering specialists employ accurate orbital machining techniques to optimise the restoration of your engine’s bearing journal diameters.

With the support of Metalock Engineering, you can keep your engines running efficiently and safeguard your assets.

Expert in situ orbital machining of crankpin diameters to remove the cam effect.

Advantages of a Bearing Journal Survey

Prolong equipment life: Bearing journal surveys play a key role in extending the operational life of industrial and marine diesel engines. The early detection of wear and tear or misalignments can save expensive breakdowns. This helps to extend the engine’s lifespan and assists in maintaining consistent performance.

Prevent costly repairs: Early detection mitigates the risk of significant damage, the type that can result in expensive, time-consuming repairs. Such preventative measures are even more vital from an economic perspective for commercial enterprises, where even minimal downtime equals significant lost revenue.

Maintain operational safety: Maritime operations demand the best in safety standards. Bearing surveys contribute significantly to this aspect, as they keep the engine – and associated components – functioning optimally. By detecting and addressing mechanical issues early, these surveys help to avert accidents.

Optimal performance: The performance of bearings directly influences the engine’s overall efficiency. Through detailed inspections and examinations, surveys provide the pathway to optimal performance. Better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational capabilities – these are the types of benefits gained from the fine-tuning approach.

Regulatory standards compliance: Adhering to maritime regulatory standards is non-negotiable. Engine bearing surveys aid in this compliance. They guarantee the vessel’s main engine components meet the necessary performance and safety criteria.

Our Experience

Metalock Engineering stands at the forefront of specialist in situ orbital machining for both merchant and naval vessels. We are also experts in other applicable industries like steel and power plants. By leveraging our advanced, industry-leading techniques, we meticulously assess and maintain main bearings. The result is optimal operation, regardless of your industry and requirements.

With over 76 years of experience, there’s no challenge in main bearing maintenance we haven’t mastered. We can keep your operation’s heart beating strong.

Heat Treatment/ annealing that can reduce the surface hardness of the crankpin diameter to allow the re-machining of the crankpin diameter for a new under size bearing.

Common Causes for Bearing Damage or Degradation

Lubrication failures: Inadequate lubrication is a primary cause of bearing damage. Increased friction and heat occur due to insufficient or improper lubrication leads to notable wear and tear. Lubrication issues can result from low oil levels, using incorrect oil types, or contamination of the lubrication system through debris or water.
Misalignment: Misalignment of the shaft or incorrect installation of the bearings can cause uneven distribution of load. This unevenness leads to excessive stress and strain on certain areas of the bearing. Damage is accelerated as a result, and it can potentially lead to bearing failure.
Operational overloads: Exceeding the designed operational limits, such as over-speeding or overloading the engine, puts additional stress on main bearings. Consistently operating in such conditions can, again, cause premature wear and potential damage.
Fatigue and material failure: Naturally, over time, the repeated stress and operational strain can trigger material fatigue in main bearings. This is often seen as cracks or material flaking off, aspects that can significantly compromise the bearing’s integrity and performance.
Corrosion and erosion: Corrosive elements in the marine environment, coupled with the constant exposure to various chemicals and salts, can deliver corrosion and erosion to the main bearings found in ships. This gradual deterioration affects the bearing’s surface, as well as its operational effectiveness.

Broken Conrods - These failures can also result in broken conrods that break through the main engine crankcase doors causing considerable damage to the engine block in that area. Specialist cold Metalock casting repairs (metal stitching) can repair damaged engine blocks.

Advantages of Using Metalock Engineering

With more than 76 years within the industry globally, Metalock Engineering stands as a global leader for in situ machining and cold casting repairs. Our proven expertise results in top-tier service, delivered with efficiency to maximise operational efficiency for your business. This sign of quality is represented across all of the services we offer.