Vehicle Maintenance Instructions (VMIs) have been introduced on 33063, the aim of which is to ensures that all safety systems and certain electrical, control and mechanical systems are covered and measured against certain specifications for each system and sub system every year. This work is carried out, records made, fault sheets raised where necessary and completed. The VMI methodology was trialed for the braking system and certain electrical and mechanical elements. It proved its worth almost immediately as it showed the Vacuum system was not retaining vacuum for the specified time when the exhauster was switched off. In other words we had a leak.
Close inspection of the hose rubbers showed they could do with replacing but by a process of elimination suspicion homed in on the Gresham’s and Craven snifter valve which limits the vacuum to 21″. Sure enough, the rubber valve on this was hardened. After turning the amount of spring pressure needed to keep this valve operating at 21″ was reduced by no less than 5 turns.
Other VMI sheets have seen the engine running at full engine revs and the control gear motor to full weak field just as she would have been at 85mph on the main line. All operated exactly as specified.
Non VMI ‘faults’ attended to in this period have been:
Exhauster oil leak feed pipe repaired
Hydrostatic union leaks repaired
Radiator float level indicator changed for cork float
Governor oil seals replaced. Instead of making a special size up from a thicker O ring the old dodge of using two O rings in the same groove was used with excellent results.
Main reservoir air leaks tightened
Ammeter cable repaired after it snagged and was broken
Main Geny comm. and Aux geny comm. areas cleaned down
Main Geny brushes checked and measured
EHT relays cleaned and checked, ETH cabinets internally painted
Aux air reservoir drain valve changed for overhauled spare to stop leak
At the time of writing we have minus temperatures but 33063 is still on Santa standby and has been run. Antifreeze protection is to -16C and it helps we do not run her with full radiator system to the vents but as Sulzer intended with the radiator elements drained down into the header tanks when not operating and the hydrostatic fan control works so we do not cool the radiator water in cold conditions. We have a problem with old wiring on the starting circuits which are being investigated. Cranking speed is good even in the cold but we have a case of missing/low control volts somewhere in the old wiring.
Imminent Plans for 33063…….
The Spa has just completed the first lift of their new jacks inside the shed. Very impressive, the Jinty went up; centre wheels rolled out and back down in less than an hour. All agreed there is plenty of space on the shed roof girders for 63 to be lifted so the plan is in last half of Jan/11 she will be lifted and the TM changed. To do this we are having two new lifting brackets made and all four brackets certified. SHE WILL REMAIN IN THE SHED FOR FEB/EARLY MARCH for preventative repaint and minor fabric repairs. Th should help to keep her in good shape whilst 065 is worked on.
Other planned work over this period…..
Air Receiver Inspection
Cab Heaters
Control Cubicle Clean
33 065 : nothing to report, “boxed up” for the winter.