LO 7-8 Explain the scope of cylinder component service and operating factors that accelerate cylinder wear

Service and Maintenance of Cylinder Components

While diesel engine cylinder components are ruggedly built to last for very long distances and many years of operation, most are intentionally designed for rebuilding. With a few exceptions, the chassis life of equipment, machines, and vehicles in which diesels are installed will often exceed the useful life of the engine, thus requiring engine rebuilding. Specialized tools, techniques, and service procedures prescribed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) must be used to ensure that engine overhaul and repairs are reliably completed; this maximizes service life and customer satisfaction. Technicians also need to be aware of specific operating conditions that can dramatically shorten engine life. Excessive idle time is especially destructive to cylinder components in diesel engines. Understanding failure modes of cylinder components can help technicians make proper service recommendations to customers and identify operating conditions and practices that require correction.