Week of May 20, 2013: hydraulic testing, welding, riding lawn mowers and the Northwestern crab boat

This past week I completed the first part of my hydraulics assignment by using the Parker electronic pressure test gauge. It was enlightening to see how accurate the gauge is compared to an analog one. I learned how to properly hook up a test gauge and use it correctly. I also welded up a pin for an excavator. I had to weld a small piece of rod to the end of the pin to make a T-handle and then weld a piece of chain to that for a safety catch. On Friday, I has the opportunity to go and check out the Northwestern crab boat as seen on deadliest catch. We weren't able to see the engine room due to it being completely apart and getting re-powered. I did however get to see some of the drivetrain, the wheel house, the controls and I got a full tour of the whole boat. Today I got to fix a riding lawn mower. The problem had to do with it not turning over. So I diagnosed the battery and it was no good. So I replaced it. I then turned to the signal wire for the starter solenoid and found bad connections. After cleaning everything up including the very small brake switch, I was able to get it running. In the near future I will probably rebuild the carburetor.

Hours: 50
Hours to date: 333

Week of May 13: The oil cooled Deutz engine

This past week I had to perform a repair on a Deutz engine. The issue had to do with oil leaking from around the oil cooler. Another mechanic ordered new oil cooler pipes which are about two inches and can be seen in one of my photos. I removed the oil cooler and installed the new pipes and that did the trick. It was interesting to learn about how these engines use engine oil to cool them. I will look into how they regulate the engine temperature possibly with a thermostat of some kind.

Hours 40
Hours to date 283

SPQ13: Week of May 6. Containers, hydraulics test board and wheel seals

This past week I got to learn about how to use and learn from the hydraulic test bench. I learned about the basics including aeration, cavitation and restriction to say the least. I have learned about how to construct a working hydraulic circuit which included a valve, a cylinder, a pump, a tank and a pressure relief valve for safety. It was great to see it all come together. I got the opportunity to operate a 14,000 capacity forklift. My task was to move four shipping containers to get to two empty containers. Really cool to easily move around so much weight.

Hours: 40
Hours to date: 243

SPQ13: Quinn. B&G machine and the Torch

This week I got to experience up close some huge diesels. As a class, we went to B&G machine shop in Seattle to view how they rebuild these huge motors. I learned about how important accuracy is and RA (roughness average). RA has to do with the surface finish of the medal you are machining. I also got to get some practice on the cat simulator. I have completed 4 exercises, but need to do the final tests. As you can see in some of my photos, I got some more experience with a cutting torch. I needed to flip the cutting edge on a 160 JD excavator, but the nuts would come off. All in all another good week.

Hours: 40
Hours to date: 203