Engine life

[Anonymous]

How long will a diesel last before an overhaul and how is the use measured (e.g. miles, hours, etc)? Also, aren't the tanks 1500 gal each on over the road freighters? (Say on a -9 for example)

[Anonymous]

I thought that a Dash 9 carried 5000 gal of fuel. I may be wrong. I didn't really care as long as the service track didn't lolly gag while fueling.........

[Anonymous]

The average diesel engine in a locomotive can and will go over a million miles between overhauls once the engine is started it stays running until the 92 day inspection. Rodney

[Anonymous]

Hey Rodney, don't forget about the GE smart starts. They shut down and restart automatically.

[Anonymous]

What does a 92 day inspection consist of? Do they tear the engine down and inspect it.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Lube, oil and filter. Check and rotate tires. Change air filter. Check front and rear differential lube........all of this for only $24.95 at GM quicklube plus.........Just kidding Tim, I couldn't resist.
Ken

[Anonymous]

The GE smart start even when it shuts down do to lack of use it is still concidered an operating locomotive. Rodney

[Anonymous]

I agree Rodney, but the question was engine longevity. Thats why I reminded you of smart start. If the diesel's crank is not turning those parts are not wearing out. I'm not just some foamer, I'm not too far from you in seniority on the BNSF. Furlough season is here..............

[Anonymous]

Here is something else about a diesel engine or an automoble engine the most where and tear is put on the rings and main bearings is when it gets started. The reason i know this is that i was machinic when i was in the navy. The average diesel can and will go 5 years or longer between engine overhauls the key is keeping the oil sump with good clean oil. You got that right furlough season is here i hope that i can work next winter wiht out being kicked to the curb lol. Rodney

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I hope that this RCO doesn't completely kill our almost non existant job security. They are still hiring!!!!!!???????

[REDDYK]

Don't you have a bit of trouble getting air into the tires? Seriously though, can the engine oil level be checked at idle or while running? A recent post suggested that engine oil is never changed, just renewed. Do older, well worn engines consume enough oil to be a problem?

[Anonymous]

Gary, I believe that if an engine consumes enough oil to be a problem it would probably be serviced. I can answer for sure that the engine oil level can be and is checked while the engine is at idle. I have seen the service track do it many times when I was hostling.

[Jackflash]

The crankshaft does not splash into the oil in
the oil pan so the engine oil is checked with
the engine running, if you check the dipstick
with the engine shut down it will appear to be
over filled with oil. jackflash

[wabash1]

engine oil is check with the engine idling and i cant say about other roads but on the ns the engines are serviced every 3 months.