"Larry" wrote in message
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"Edgar" wrote in
:


"Larry" wrote in message
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http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/st...artsila-video/

http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/th...-super-engine/

You just GOTTA love those TWO STROKE DIESELS!....(c;

Did you notice that guy putting his hand in amongst all the moving (or
potentially moving) parts?




I know a great guy who spent years in the engine rooms of piston
steamships. He's in his 80's, but in quite good health, considering.

Mike's two fingers on the opposite side of his thumb are permanently bent
from being broken several times. This was caused by him getting them
pinched between the crankshaft and the piston rod while feeling down in
between them to see if they have enough lubrication. They actually put
their hands into the moving crank to check, according to him.

I didn't believe this until I found a picture of a guy doing just that a
long time ago on the net. I can't find it now. It was years ago. That
diesel doesn't go much faster than Mike's steam engine did.

Yes, I know they used to do that with steam engines. Round here there is a
fully restored whale catching vessel from about 50 years ago. Triple
expansion steam powered and the cranks are all open like you say. There is
even a spare crankshaft secured at the side of the engine room, so
unbelievably they contemplated the possibility of having to strip it all
down and replace the crankshaft while in Antartica!
It is moored by the quay all summer for the tourists and I have seen it all
when cold but this w/e they are going to fire it up and take a party of us
out for a trip. I will watch with interest when they are lubricating the big
end bearings.