Why you need to adjust the valves...

[unfocused]

We have service procedures for our large engines used in power generation. When you don't check things - bad stuff happens.
Expensive down time:
$5000 piston. Look for the valve head...
$6000 connecting rod
$4500 cylinder liner (jug)
$5500 cylinder head - reman
all the additional parts and labor.

 

[unfocused]

Check your valves or else... We have valve recession checks that most likely weren't performed...
The intact valve is bent.

We run natural gas in this unit and recession checks are very important.
If your's are ticking - they're too loose.
If you have a runability issue or poor performance - they may be too tight - results in burnt valves and all sorts of other problems like shown below...

 

[slayer61]

Shame on you for using reciprocating engines in power generation! LM6000 turbine powered power plant here!

 

[Rijko]

So cool to see these pics !!

I am in another line of work, but after something like this we would conduct a "root cause investigation".
Which, if possible, would contain info on overdue maintenance or other contributing factors.
And would have recommendations to prevent this in the future.

Is something like that part of the aftermath in this case ?

 

[unfocused]

Shame on you for using reciprocating engines in power generation! LM6000 turbine powered power plant here!

We have the worlds first 3 hydrogen generators running traditional reciprocating engines. We only run our gens on alternative fuels... NatGas, biofuels, synthetic and hydrogen. We also have solar and heat pump divisions but nothing with wind as of yet. Probably coming though. Turbine gens aren't in our scope however, there is a turbine I sell parts too. Mostly safety items, no hard parts.

 

[unfocused]

So cool to see these pics !!

I am in another line of work, but after something like this we would conduct a "root cause investigation".
Which, if possible, would contain info on overdue maintenance or other contributing factors.
And would have recommendations to prevent this in the future.

Is something like that part of the aftermath in this case ?

Well, since we've seen this before - more than once - we know what's happened here and it's in the title - please check/adjust your valves.
Valve recession checks either weren't completed or not checked correctly.
Running NatGas has it's issues - no lubricity in the combustion chamber - wears stuff out - so we add coatings or use metals better suited for this environment.

I admit, rolling a 20 cylinder thats the size of a Toyota Corolla over isn't easy nor fun. And with 4 valves per cylinder, it makes for a long day.

 

[Rijko]

i remember similar from the first cars we had on LPG, many years ago, fitted to engines that did not have the hardened valves/seats yet.
i was amazed how fast they needed readjusting.

 

[unfocused]

i remember similar from the first cars we had on LPG, many years ago, fitted to engines that did not have the hardened valves/seats yet.
i was amazed how fast they needed readjusting.

I too remember LPG service trucks from the 80's - replacing the heads every 20k-ish and adjusting the valves every week LOL
Hydraulic lifters didn'tmake a difference when the valves are receeding that fast.