Chief Mechanic interview's questions and answers
Identify Models of Engines you have worked with? #........
● What are procedures of valve lash & fuel timing adjustment
for 3500 CAT engines?
# piston no.1 TDC compression stroke , insert the timing bolt then follow the table in
testing & adjusting manual to identify and mark valves and injectors to be adjusted in this
stroke.
After adjustment done, remove the timing bolt , turn the engine by turning tool in the
same standard rotation to get piston # 1 exhaust stroke and adjust all remaining valves
and injectors. Adjustment to be done by using CAT special tools.
● How do you identify piston no.1 in compression stroke? # both intake & exhaust valves
are closed.
● What is the standard rotation direction for the engine? # counterclockwise as viewed
from flywheel end.
● What are the setting values for valve lash? # 0.020 in for intake valves 0.040 in for
exhaust valves
● Identify the safety protection shutdown cases of 3500 Engine.
1. High coolant temperature.
2. low oil pressure.
3. Over speed.
4. High crankcase pressure.
● What is the function of vibration damper? It limits the torsional vibration of the
crankshaft.
● What is the function of aftercooler?
It increases the volumetric efficiency of the engine.
● How?
%y increasing the air density so that the air mass increases for the same volume.
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)ace and %ore Measurement.
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Main bearings clearance Eccentric bearings clearance Pinion shaft bearings clearance
Crossheads bearings clearance Crossheads clearance Ponyrods run out Ponyrods
alignment
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5egulates accumulators pressure to supply the %op closing unit manifold
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5egulates accumulators pressure to supply Annular way valve.
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Air pumps 0000 psi Triplex pump 003000 psi.
Top drive (tds 11 mainlly)
1- What types you know ?
- NOV ( tds 9/11 sa, tds11 sh , ps-500 ), can rig , tesco).
2- What is the RLA function and how many ports in it then mention them?
- Achieve swivel hose function between fixed (td. Body manifold) and rotating part (drive
shaft).
- 10 ports ( 8 active , 2 spare) .
- IBOP closed, BOP opened, link tilt float, link tilt (M/H) “MOUSE HOLE’’, link tilt (D/D)
DERRICK DICK, clamp (piston), clamp (rod), and lifting port.
3- What’s lifting port function?
- It is oil path to hang the RLA and keep it off the load collar and avoid friction and
damage.
4- Mention the yearly inspection? 14 JOB.
- Major overhaul for RLA
- MPI for RLA housing, STEM shaft, positioner gear.
- Disassembly for the AC motors Blowers and inspect hydraulic brake calipers on 1500 psi
and friction pads condition and thickness at 0 .09’’
- Hydrostatic test on heat exchanger on 3000 psi, oil cooler (hydraulic oil ) 300 psi ( few
types).
- Visual check for encoder belt and adjust if required.
- Change hydraulic and gear oil and filters and oil samples analysis.
- MPI for AC – drilling motors hubs.
- Inspect hydraulic reservoir bladder (change /2 years).
- Inspect bail, bushings and pins.
- MPI on S-pipe and main shaft.
- Over haul for wash pipe (seal kit or complete kit) “/500 hrs water base mud “ and /300
hrs oil base mud “ …..Every 6 months…..
- Gears back lash (positioner and shot pin gear) 0.03’’-0.04’’
- Detect main shaft endplay to be from .001’’ -.002’’ if more reshimming order.
5- What about 5 years inspection?
- Yearly jobs
- MPI for (upper,lower IBOP , Main body,main body cover,split load collar,radial grooves
and stem)
6- What do you know about the accumulators?
- Counter balance system (CB) 900 PSI discharge ,728’’3 (vertical)
- System accumulator (SA) 800 PSI , 125’’3 (vertical )
- IBOP time delay accumulator (CV) 800 PSI , 30’’3 (horizontal)
7- Oil tanks capacities?
- 25 gallon (hydraulic)
- 15 gallon (gear)
8- Variable, fixed pumps AC- motors power?
- 10 HP, 1800 RPM
9- Top drive weight?
- 25,250 Ibs.
10- What is the different between counter balance and stand jump?
- Counter balance (CB) make reverse equilibrium by hanging the T.D weight off the bail
and hook. (JUST active only when bail start leave the hook) (DEFAULT ACTIVE)1600 psi
- Stand jump (SJ) active mainly during pipes breakout to carry top drive over to protect
thread damage. SJR(190 PSI) active = 1600+190=1790 psi
11- What is meaning of PH-50 pipe handler?
- 50,000 ft.ibs torque.
12- Gear reduction ratio, what is meaning?
- 10.5 (main shaft (1) rpm when AC- motor (10.5) rpm )
- Ac-motors rpm 1200, drilling speed 228 rpm = 2*1200/228=10.5
13- Hydraulic tank bladder pressure?
- Atmospheric pressure by breather to prevent air bubbles in oil and keep oil suction
priming with oil (atmospheric equalizing).
