The Mechanical Breakdown5 Oct 2023 15:10
Just back from doing a few Munroes, and landed in to this Cluster---- of a BB
Can't be bothered trawling back through it, as the few random posts I've looked at, mainly posted by new arrivals, are a load of Tosh!
Anyway, a mechanical breakdown of the CAT c-27 Deck Engine which supplies shaft drive to the Hydraulic pumps that in turn power the Hydraulic Motors which drive the Truck axles (not an issue at this moment obviously), the Hydraulic Ram Systems Mast and Skate platforms, and the Drill Auger Head which turns the Drill Bit, both critical to the operation of the Mast raising/lowering to add/remove pipe and casing , has rendered the Rig inoperable till repaired.
Engine was suffering Injector problems during the Rig Audit last August.
In the earlier twitter videos from Site, the engine was throwing out plenty of "Black Reek" exhaust gas, which suggests with the bigger bore bit to allow the 20" and 17" and 13" casings was putting a heavy load on the failed engine, and likely due to worn components and/or fuel mis-calibration.
Possible Faults
Injectors ?
Injector Pump/Fuel Lines ?
Failed Turbo Unit (Twin Turbos fitted) ?
Oil lubrication failure to Crankshaft, Camshaft, Turbos, Power Shaft bearings, etc, etc. ?
I believe this will be fixed in less than a week, unless it is the oil Lub option where bearings have failed.
Next RNS must state they have the required parts, are flying them Rapid Cargo to Tanzania, and have placed a definitive order for a fully crated-up re-conditioned Engine to be delivered as soon as available, as a swap over spare, given the history of this unit, and hours done to date.
Should also notify that they have instructed Caterpillar trained Epiroc engineers to attend site and fast-track this Rig back to working order.
Over to you Lorna, Mike, or whoever has the vision to get this organised. We have the money, so get it done!
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