IAMI revision questions

IAMI’s Motor & General

M.E. Preparation & Watchkeeping

1. As an engineer officer of the watch, explain the procedure to be followed in the event of a crankcase oil mist alarm
on a bridge controlled, constant speed, main propulsion engine fitted with a controllable pitch propeller.
2. a) in the case of a main engine and controllable pitch propeller not responding to bridge control, describe the routine
for changing to engine room control. (8)
B) Explain how manual control of fuel pump delivery is achieved when emergency manoeuvring on a large 2-stroke
crosshead engine. (8)
3. describe the sequence of actions when preparing the main engine, from cold, for sea service. Assume that the engine
has been shut down for a long period of time. (16)
4. state the actions to be taken by the EOOW to prepare a main propulsion diesel engine plant from cold condition to
that of a condition ready for manoeuvring. (16)
5. with respect to main propulsion engine, state the immediate action to be taken as an EOOW in the event of the
following, stating one reason for each:
a) Turbocharger repeatedly surging; (4)
b) Air start manifold/branch pipe overheating local to one unit; (4)
c) Low scavenge air temperature alarm; (4)
d) Engine misfires. “fuel rail pressure low” alarm activates. Booster pump pressure high. (4)
6. Enumerate the important actions to be taken by the EOOW in the event of an alarm condition activated on the oil
mist detector. (16)
7. With reference to the operation of main propulsion engine, outline the importance of each of the following:
a) Maintaining the temperature of the scavenge air above the dewpoint; (4)
b) Maintaining the fuel at the correct viscosity for injection; (4)
c) Regular on board testing of the lubricating oil; (4)
d) Ensuring rotation of the exhaust valves. (4)
8. Describe the actions necessary to prepare the engine room for rough weather. (16)
9. State, with reasons, EIGHT areas or items which should be checked by the duty engineer before taking over the
watch. (16)
10. a) State the reason for turning the engine with the turning gear prior to starting. (4)
b) State the reason for leaving the indicator cocks on main engine cylinders open when the engine is turned initially
with the turning gear. (4)
c) State the reason for leaving the lubricating oil circulating after “finish with engines”. (4)
d) State why diesel alternator cooling water may be circulated through the main engine after shutdown. (4)
 M/E 2&4 Stroke

1. Describe with the aid of sketches, the operation of a 4-stroke cycle diesel engine.
2. a) explain why the correct tappet clearance is essential on the inlet and exhaust valves of a 4-stroke diesel engine.
b) state the results of the tappet clearance being: i) too large
ii) too small
3. describe with the aid of sketches, the operating principle of a 2-stroke diesel engine.
4. Explain the constructional differences between 2-stroke low speed and 4-stroke medium speed diesel engines.
5. a) state 2 differences between trunk type and crosshead type diesel engines.
b) describe, with aid of sketches the combustion process of the 2-stroke.
6. a) make 4 simple sketches to illustrate the sequence of events for a diesel engine operating on the 4-stroke cycle.
b) with reference to (a), describe the sequence of evets for a diesel engine operating on a 4-stroke cycle.
7. a) sketch a power indicator card for a slow speed marine diesel engine.
b) explain how the card may be used to assess the power developed in the cylinder
8. describe the function of each of the following components of a diesel engine:
a) clocks
b) bedplate
c) tie rods
d) entablature
e) holding down bolts
f) crankshaft
9. draw a line diagram of a main lubricating oil system for a large 2-stroke crosshead type diesel engine, label all the
main components of the system.
10. With reference to medium speed diesel engines, sketch and label a typical arrangement for the piston connecting
rod.
11. With reference to a small diesel engine that requires the use of a starting handle,
a) state the procedure for starting
b) state 8 reasons that would cause difficulty in starting
12. a) explain the constructional difference between a slow speed 2-stroke and a medium speed 4-stroke diesel engine
with respect to the connection between the piston and the crankshaft.
b) describe the function of the diaphragm and stuffing box.
13. a) if the M/E control pitched propeller doesn’t respond to bridge control, describe the routine changing to E/R
control.
b) explain how to manually control fuel pump delivery, whilst emergency manoeuvring on a large 2-stroke engine.
 Camshaft & Fuel Cam

1. a) Sketch a camshaft timing arrangement indicating how the chain tension is adjusted.
b) State 2 items of ancillary equipment that can be driven via the timing chain.
2. With reference to marine diesel engines;
a) state the purpose of the camshaft,
b) state 2 methods of driving the camshaft on a large marine diesel engine,
c) state the speed of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft on:
i) a 4-stroke engine
ii) a 2-stroke engine
d) sketch a full cam for a unidirectional diesel engine indicating each of the following:
i) point of injection
ii) peak
iii) slow return

Jacket Cooling Water System

1. a) make a labelled sketch of a jacket cooling water system.

b) state the purpose of the major components shown in sketch (a)
2. with reference to jacket cooling water treatment of a diesel engine;
a) state the chemical tests carried out,
b) state the frequency of testing,
c) explain why it is necessary to keep the test results within certain limits,
d) state the action to be taken to rectify an abnormal test result.

Air Starting System

1. with reference to a main engine starting system:

a) List 5 important safety features fitted to the system,
b) state how a leaking air start valve might be detected,
c) briefly describe the dangers of allowing the condition mentioned in (b) persists
2. sketch a simple cross section through an air start valve for marine diesel engine.
3. With respect to a two-stage reciprocating compressor used to air start purposes:
a) state 4 reasons for taking too long to fill the main starting air bottles,
b) state 4 safety devices that may be fitted.
 Air compressors

1. With reference to main starting air compressors:

a) state 3 maintenance procedures that maintain their efficiency,
b) describe the procedure f or the manual starting of a compressor
c) state how deterioration in the efficiency would be effected
d) state 4 causes for deterioration in efficiency
e) describe a test for establishing performances
2. With respect to a 2-stage reciprocating compressor used for air start purposes:
a) state 4 reasons for a reciprocating compressor taking too long to fill the main air starting bottles
b) state 4 safety devices fitted to the air starting system of a large marine diesel engine.
3. With respect to 2-stage water cooled reciprocating main engine starting air compressors:
a) describe, with aid of a sketch, a protective device fitted to the waterside of the intercooler or after cooler.
b) explain why the device described in (a) is fitted.
c) briefly describe the possible consequences should the device described in (a) fail to operate.
4. Sketch a cross section through a 2-stage main starting compressor, labelling the main components

M/E Fuel Oil & Fuel Injection

1. With reference to high viscosity fuel:

a) explain how it is treated between storage tank and main engine.
b) state the purpose for the treatment.
c) state the changes in fuel preparation required when changing to a fuel of lower density and viscosity.
2. a) describe the tests that are carried out on a fuel injector after overhaul and before it is refitted to the engine.
b) sketch a section through the nozzle of a fuel injector
c) state the stages of on board preparation of heavy fuel oil prior to use.
3. a) state why simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air into a main engine cylinder is undesirable
b) explain how simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air is prevented.
c) explain how a leaking air start valve is detect while the engine is running
d) describe the action to be taken upon discovery of a leaking air start valve
4. a) with respect to the fuel injection timing of a 2-stroke diesel engine, what would be the effect of:
i) early injection
ii) late injection
b) sketch an “out of phase” draw card for a 2-stroke diesel engine and indicate the point of the fuel injection.
5. Draw a line diagram of a fuel oil system from a fuel oil double bottom tanks to the daily service tanks, for a large
diesel engine plant. Label all main components of the system including any safety devices fitted.
6. Describe how the high viscosity fuel oil is prepared for delivery to the injection pumps to ensure correct conditions
for combustion.
 Turbocharger

1. With reference to main engine turbochargers

a) explain their function
b) State two advantages of fitting them
2. a) describe, with the aid of a sketch, the operational principle of a main engine exhaust gas turbocharger. (10)
b) state the function of each of the following turbocharger system components:
(i) suction filters;
(ii) exhaust grids;
(iii) charge air cooler.
3. a) state two reasons for fitting an exhaust gas turbocharger to an engine.
b) describe the effect of dirty or restricted:
(i) air filters;
(ii) exhaust gas turbine
c) outline how the exhaust gas turbine is cleaned
4. with respect to main propulsion engine, state the immediate action to be taken as an EOOW in the event of the
following, stating one reason for each (any 4 could be asked)
a) turbocharger repeatedly surging;
b) excessive vibration from turbocharger at full sea speed;
c) air start manifold/branch pipe overheating local to one unit;
d) low scavenge air temperature alarm;
e) engine misfires “fuel rail pressure low” alarm activates booster pump pressure high;
f) excessive vibration of air start branch pipe to one cylinder during manoeuvring;
g) high main bearing temperatures
 Crankcase explosion
1. a) state the name of equipment used to give warning of the presence of conditions that could lead to an explosion in
the crankcase of a diesel engine
b) sketch and describe the device used to relieve any excess pressure that might develop as a result of a crankcase
explosion in a diesel engine
2. as EOOW explain the procedure to be followed in the event of crankcase oil mist alarm on a bridge controlled
constant speed main propulsion engine fitted with a controllable pitch propeller. (16)
3. with reference to conditions which may cause an explosion in the crankcase of a large marine diesel engine:
a) state four possible sources of ignition (8)
b) state two methods which can be used to detect a potentially dangerous situation within the crankcase (4)
c) state two other indications which could signify a possible dangerous situation within the crankcase (4)

Scavenge Space
1. with reference to large slow speed diesel engines,
a) state four possible factors leading to a scavenge fire
b) state four indications of a scavenge fire
2. a) state four important factors which contribute to the initiation of a scavenge fire.
b) state the duties of the engineer officer of the watch on discovering a scavenge fire
3. a) Describe the actions to be taken by the EOOW on discovering a scavenge fire.
b) state two dangers of allowing a scavenge fire to exist.
4. State four actions to be taken by the EOOW on discovering:
a) a scavenge fire in one engine unit only;
b) a scavenge fire in several engine units at the same time
5. a) explain the procedure to be carried out before the inspection of the scavenge space on a large 2-stroke diesel
engine
b) state four reasons for carrying out a scavenge space inspection
6. with reference to the operation of main propulsion engine, outline the importance of each of the following:
a) maintaining the temperature of the scavenge air above the dewpoint;
b) maintaining the fuel at the correct viscosity for injection;
c) regular on-board testing of the lubricating oil;
d) ensuring rotation of the exhaust valves

Exhaust gas Economisers

1. with reference to exhaust gas economisers:

a) state why regular soot blowing is considered necessary; (4)
b) explain why it is important to maintain the exhaust gas temperature above the dewpoint; (6)
c) list three indications of an exhaust gas economiser fire (6)
2. with reference to fires in diesel engine uptake economisers:
a) state two indications of a fire in an economiser; (4)
b) list the course of action to be taken in the event of discovering a fire whilst on passage. (12)
 Auxiliary Marine Boiler

1. list eight mountings that are found on auxiliary marine boilers (16)
2. list eight mountings which must be present on auxiliary marine boilers. (16)
3. a) state four possible reasons for the boiler feed pump failing to maintain the water level in an auxiliary boiler.
b) upon rectification of the fault in Qa) describe the start-up sequence of the boiler.
4. a) State two consequences of not treating the water in a boiler (4)
b) outline two tests which are carried out on boiler water (12)
5. state the effect on auxiliary boiler operation in the event of the following alarm condition:
i) high water level (2)
ii) low water level (2)
iii) extra-low or low-low water level
b) describe the procedure for blowing down a low-pressure boiler gauge glass (8)
c) how often should a low-pressure boiler gauge glass be blown down? (2)
6. with the aid of simple sketches describe the procedure for blowing through a boiler gauge glass (16)
7. a) explain the sequence of events that occur on pressing the start button of an automatically controlled oil-fired
package steam boiler
b) state three reasons why the boiler in Qa) would automatically shut down during the starting sequence (6)
8. state four tests which are required for boiler water, giving a reason for EACH test (16)
9. state four circumstances under which the fuel supply to the burners of an auxiliary boiler would be automatically cut
off, giving a reason why each circumstance requires the fuel to be cut off
10. list four safety or alarm devices fitted to an automatically controlled auxiliary boiler indicating how each of these
devices may be tested. (16)
11. state the possible cause, and outline the remedial action that should be taken when each of the following faults
occur during start-up of an automatic package boiler.
a) the boiler starts and the fan runs with the control dampers correctly positioned, the boiler then locks out before
purging is completed; (4)
b) the boiler purges correctly, but the ignitors fail to spark and the boiler locks out; (4)
c) the boiler purges correctly, the ignitors spark, but the boiler fails to light up and locks out; (4)
d) the boiler flame flashes up but after about 5 seconds the automatic control locks the boiler out. (4)
12. with reference to auxiliary boiler,
a) sketch an open feed system suitable for an auxiliary boiler, labelling the component parts.
b) indicate on the sketch in (a) the components that allow for leakage and expansion within the system.
13. With reference to auxiliary boilers:
a) explain how scale forms on the heating surfaces; (8)
b) state two reasons why scale is undesirable; (4)
c) state how scale build up is prevented from forming in steam boilers. (4)
14. a) the name given to the water level indicators mounted on a boiler
b) state why at least two of the items stated in Qa) are fitted
c) list FIVE boiler mountings which are subject to survey, other than those mentioned in Qa)
15. with reference to an auxiliary boiler, state for EACH of the following circumstances the action to be taken, giving a
reason for each action;
a) no water level visible in gauge glass; (4)
b) safety valve lifting; (4)
c) excessive smoking during firing; (4)
d) excessively high chloride content of boiler water. (4)