LOCOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES BASED ON OIL ANALYSIS AND VISUAL INSPECTIONS

摘要

This paper introduces some of the current freight locomotive maintenance activities at an Australian leading rail company, Downer EDI Rail. Various techniques have been employed for locomotive condition monitoring and maintenance purposes, of which two most commonly used maintenance techniques at the company, oil analysis and visual inspections, are introduced. Oil analysis for diesel engine power assembly failure detections, as well as visual inspections for a diesel engine turbocharger failure and an air compressor bearing failure detection, are presented. The advantages and drawbacks of these current techniques are discussed. Recommendations on directions of future condition based locomotive maintenance are also presented.