One time I really really needed a tire valve core for some project, I don’t recall what took it’s place but that was one damn hard thing to replace. One ship had them in the shaft seals I think… one may of had air in the pressure washer tires … hard to find!!
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Whatever you need to complete the job you’re working on
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I once thought I might need a replacement crankshaft, but was unable to locate one aboard…or anywhere onshore for that matter. Ended up repairing was quicker than replacing.
That’s quite a statement! And doing it aboard?, a crankshaft?
You gotta be joking?
Wiped a crank journal on a main generator. I had no illusion about finding a spare shaft onboard but we did try asking other companies around the world if anyone had a spare in storage. Lead time on a new one would have been untenable, not to mention the logistical nightmare of splitting the crankcase. We were very lucky to be barely within the allowable tolerance for grinding a new journal in-situ and oversizing that bearing shell. The process was equal parts fascinating and nerve-wracking.
Other than that I can recall several times being saved by having a machinist on the crew much better than myself. Seems like the older the ship the more likely the prospect that if you don’t already have the spare part it no longer exists.
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It all depends on the type and size of the engine and availability of crankshafts. I have been involved with several incidents with crankshaft damage. Some were lucky and the fractures could be machined out and maintain the tolerances. Others, not so much. It has been some years, but I do recall a couple of crankshaft replacements for Pielstick engines. Not a very easy job, but it is doable.
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#3 gen wiped a journal on the end bell. in retrospect just getting it out of the engine room with the crew was a epic feat but we took it down town Fiji, (east side of islands) and they had a old british lathe there. someone welded the casting up and they turned it. it wasn’t a good job for it had holes in there and such but i guess it lasted about 3-4 years i heard.