Engine Air Shut off Frequently Failure 2

[nasirqa1407]

I have CAT Engine 3516C has frequent failure in the air shut off groups both sides (R&H). This failure simply described as while the engine is running in normal condition the gate of the air shut off turned off without any detection because of uncompleted closing. The engine remains running with one side air inlet causing high exhaust temperature to the engine.I disassembled the air shut off found the latch mechanism between the electronic actuator and the gate is worn out.I brought a vibration engineer to ensure the vibration within acceptable range. He emphasis that there is unacceptable vibration only on the air shut off group whearas the rest part of the engine is within vibration limit. However, the vibration engineer told me it is resonance vibration and need to be corrected. Would you please told me in how to rectify the situation?

 

[waross]

Cheap and dirty Red Neck fix:
Use a hose clamp to secure several tire balancing weights to the body of the air shut-offs. Changing their mass should change the resonant frequencies.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[catserveng]

Have you discussed this issue with your CAT dealer and had them put in a DSN (Dealer Service Network) request? I no longer work for a dealer or CAT, however there has been a couple of product improvement programs for the problem you are asking about, especially on older units. Since this used to be considered a "safety issue" CAT used to be pretty responsive to taking care of the problem.

Does your application actually require air dam shutoffs or were these specified because it sounded like a good idea? Unless you are in an environment that can contribute a fuel source into the air intake, such as an oil and gas application, the air shutoff groups tend to be more trouble than they are worth, at least in my experience.

If you have a serial number of the affected engine(s) and some more information you might find some better answers at the CAT Forum.

Hope that helps, MikeL.