Main Engine Starting problem.

 MAN B&W 6S 50 MC  ( 1997 BUILT ENGINE )

           In this new era of ME electronic engines ,this post might not be relevant to engineers not sailed on this type of engines , but one  can read through it to get some ideas..

         Once we were not able to start the engine on Astern , but could start it on Ahead mode . In ECR on NOR control panel found the Astern LED is  not coming "ON" when astern movement is given on Telegraph. 

           At first instance we suspected problem might be in manoeuvring system , so we opened up air  blocks for Ahead and Astern in manoeuvring air system , checked all the valve block spool arrangement all found to be normal.

             Later after extensive troubleshooting we noticed one of the units fuel pump reversing cylinder piston locking nut had come off and the disc was found fallen inside the reversing  cylinder.

                If we had noticed externally on the fuel pump inward side that one of the units reversing cylinder rod is not sticking out . ( when the lever is put in astern telegraph mode) .we could had immediately identified the problem at first instance and could had saved from vessel getting off hire .

              Later in port as per makers advice we changed the reversing cylinders for all units fuel pump with new robust design type cylinders.

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