MEC 2 COURSE: ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE - MOTOR
LEARNING ELEMENTS
Motor
1. Slow Speed, Medium and High Speed Engines
2. Associated Systems
3. Maintenance and Repairs
4. Machinery Alignment
5. Corrosion
6. Safe and Efficient Operation
7. Determination of Performance
8. Gearing
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element 1
1. Slow Speed, Medium and High Speed Engines
Performance Criteria
1.1 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the construction and features of the major
engine builders’ designs including:
(a) Seatings;
(b) Bed Plates;
(c) Crankshaft and Bearings;
(d) Crankcase;
(e) Entablature;
(f) Cylinders Liners;
(g) Cylinder Heads;
(h) Piston and Piston Rods;
(i) Crosshead;
(j) Connecting Rod;
(k) Camshaft;
(l) Tie Bolts;
(m) Valves.
Element 2
2. Associated Systems
Performance Criteria
2.1 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the layout of the following systems:
2.1.1 Main Lubricating Oil System including:
(a) Drain Tank;
(b) Pumps;
(c) Filters/Strainers (automatic and manual);
(d) Coolers/Heaters;
(e) Oil Treatment;
(f) Alarms/Shutdowns.
2.1.2 Cylinder Lubricating Oil System including:
(a) Pumps;
(b) Accumulators;
(c) Quills.
2.1.3 Jacket Cooling Water System including:
(a) Pumps;
(b) Coolers;
(c) Heaters;
(d) Header tanks;
(e) Air Vents.
2.1.4 Piston Cooling System including
(a) Comparison of mediums used;
(b) Telescopic and articulating pipework systems and sealing arrangements;
(c) Drain Tanks;
(d) Pumps;
(e) Coolers;
(f) Heaters.
2.1.5 Fuel Systems including
(a) Booster Pumps;
(b) Filters (Manual/Auto);
(c) Heaters and Viscosity regulation;
(d) Injection Pumps of the common types;
(e) Injectors;
(f) HP piping arrangements.
2.1.6 Fuel Valve Cooling System including
(a) Fuel and water types;
(b) Drain tank;
(c) Pumps;
(d) Venting arrangements.
2.1.7 Starting Air System - arrangements used by principle engine manufacturers
including:
(a) Air compressors;
(b) Air receivers and their statutory fittings;
(c) Auto stop valves, distributors, cylinder air start valves, pilot valves, control valves and
safety fittings.
2.1.7 Scavenging Systems including standard method such as:
(a) Engine driven superchargers;
(b) Under piston charging and turbocharging;
(c) Pulse and constant pressure systems;
(d) Charge air coolers;
(e) Auxiliary blowers.
2.1.8 Manoeuvering and Reversing systems including:
(a) Direct reversing mechanisms as used by principal engine manufacturers;
(b) Clutches and flexible couplings (including hydraulic, electro magnetic and
friction types);
(c) Gearboxes.
Element 3
3. Maintenance and Repairs - In respect of engines and their associated
systems.
Performance Criteria
3.1 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the inspection, routine maintenance
and survey requirements.
3.2 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of typical survey and permanent repairs
resulting from breakdown or wear and tear.
3.3 Demonstrate an understanding of the tests and procedures required for safe
operation under normal and emergency situations.
Element 4
4. Machinery Alignment
Performance Criteria
4.1 Discuss the significance of the common types of chocking arrangements and
attachment of engines to machinery seating with respect to engine alignments.
4.2 Explain how to obtain accurate crankshaft deflection readings, the causes of and
remedies for adverse results.
Element 5
5. Corrosion
Performance Criteria
5.1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the causes, effects and control of corrosion in piston
cooling, jacket cooling, lubricating oil and fuel systems.
5.2 Discuss the causes, effects and control of hot and cold corrosion in the engine
combustion chamber and exhaust system.
5.3 Outline the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used chemicals in corrosion
treatment.
Element 6
6. Safe and Efficient Operation
Performance Criteria
6.1 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of safety devices including pressure trips,
overspeed trips, high and low temperature and temperature deviation alarms,
vibration alarms, oil mist detectors, relief valves, bursting discs and explosion discs,
automatic slow downs and shut downs.
6.2 Discuss the causes, symptoms, actions to be taken in emergency and post action
required for scavenge fires and crankcase explosions.
6.3 Explain how scavenge fires and crankcase explosions are prevented.
Element 7
7. Determination of Performance
Performance Criteria
7.1 Explain the significance of readings recorded in the engine room log book in regard to
machinery performance.
7.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of how to obtain an accurate set of indicator cards of the
power, out of phase, light spring and compression types. Discuss the purpose of each
type of card.
7.3 Identify common combustion faults shown by the cards.
Element 8
8. Gearing
Performance Criteria
8.1 Identify and describe the various types of gearing designs.
8.2 Discuss the selection depending on application of single and multiple reduction
gearing, epicyclic gearing, gearing configurations.
8.3 Describe common defects resulting from tooth overloading, misalignment and poor
lubrication.