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ME541
Bent Lifeboat Engine Connecting Rod
Technical committee
Ship type Bulk carrier
Date of build May 1995
Navigation route Tramper
Trouble machinery
Category
Name Lifeboat engine
Type
Maker DAIHATSU
Date of trouble December 16, 2005

1. Outline of breakdown
[Outline]
During the regular weekly inspection on December 16, 2005, we tested the lifeboat engine.
Immediately after start-up, the engine made an abnormal sound, so we shut it off. We attempted to re-start it,
but it would not start. An overhaul revealed that the #3 cylinder connecting rod was bent.
[Damage conditions]
Bent #3 cylinder connecting rod
a) For the purpose of testing a shipboard lifeboat engine, we began to pass cooling fresh water into the
cooling sea water line.
b) The cooling fresh water flowed into the combustion chamber via the exhaust pipe.
c) We used a cell motor to start up the engine; the compressed liquid bent the connecting rod.

2. Probable causes
Because gas outflow pressure is zero before the engine is started, the cooling fresh water flowed backward
through the exhaust pipe and into the engine.

3. Action taken
We replaced the bent connecting rod.

4. Countermeasures
We will review the key points of engine start-up as follows:
1) Introducing cooling fresh water only after the engine has been started.
2) Avoiding extreme increases in cooling water pressure.
3) When conducting a shipboard engine test, either connect the water line to the suction side of the
cooling water pump or allow the cooling water to be sucked in from the pump attached the engine while
using a bucket to ensure a constant flow of water.

1
The Marine Engineer Jan.2006
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Fig. Engine schematic diagram

Photo: Piston, piston pin and bent connecting rod

2
The Marine Engineer Jan.2006