IAMI PAST EXAM QUESTIONS

SECTION A – MOTOR ENGINERRING KNOWLEDGE

Candidates MUST attempt FIVE questions in this Section. (50min)

Question 1
Describe the procedure for preparing a main engine, from cold, for sea service. (16)

Question 2
Explain the constructional differences between 2-stroke Slow Speed and 4- stroke Medium
Speed diesel engines. (16)

Question 3
With reference to a main engine air starting system:

(a) State FIVE important safety features fitted to the system (10)
(b) State how a leaking air start valve may be detected when the engine is running (2)
(c) Explain the dangers of allowing a leaking air start valve to persist (4)

Question 4
(a) Sketch a camshaft timing chain arrangement indicating how the chain tension is
adjusted; (12)
(b) State TWO items of ancillary equipment which can be driven via the timing chain (4)

Question 5
List the actions to be taken by the Engineer Officer of the Watch on acknowledging an oil
mist alarm on a large auxiliary diesel engine. (16)

Question 6
State, with reasons, EIGHT areas or items which should be checked by the duty engineer before
taking over the watch. (16)

Question 7
(a) With reference to combustion within a two-stroke diesel engine, state the effect OF
EACH of the following:
(i) Early injection (6)
(ii) Late injection (6)
(b) Sketch an Out of Phase diagram (draw card) for a two stroke diesel engine (4)

Question 8
With reference to Jacket Cooling Water treatment of a diesel engine:

(a) State the chemical tests carried out; (5)

(b) State the frequency of testing; (2)
(c) Explain why it is necessary to keep the test results within certain limits; (4)
(d) State the action to be taken to rectify an abnormal test result. (5)
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Question 9
With reference to the reversing of an engine:

(a) Describe THREE methods by which it may be achieved; (12)

(b) Explain what is meant by lost motion. (4)

Question 10
(a) Sketch and describe a crankcase explosion relief valve suitable for an auxiliary diesel
engine. (12)
(b) State TWO important functions of a crankcase explosion relief device. (4)

Question 11
With reference to fire in diesel engine uptake economizers:

(a) State TWO indications of a fire in an economizer; (4)

(b) List the course of action to be taken in the event of a fire occurring in an economiser
whilst on passage. (12)

Question 12
(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, the operational principles of a main engine exhaust
gas turbo-charger. (10)
(b) State the function of EACH of the following turbo-charger system components:
(i) Suction filters; (2)
(ii) Exhaust grids; (2)
(iii) Charge air cooler. (2)

Question 13
Draw a line diagram of a main lubricating oil system for a large two-stroke cross-head type
diesel engine. Label all the principle components of the system. (16)

Question 14
With respect to two-stage reciprocating compressors used for air start purposes:

(a) State FOUR reasons for taking too long to fill the main starting air bottles; (8)
(b) State FOUR safety devices that may be fitted. (8)

Question 15
With reference to auxiliary diesel engines, state FOUR causes for EACH of the following
faults:

(a) Lubricating oil pressure low; (8)

(b) Exhaust temperature high. (8)

Question 16
Sketch a cross section through a two stage main starting air compressor, labelling the main
components. (16)

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Question 17
With respects to Main Propulsion Engines, state the immediate action to be taken as
Engineer Officer of the watch in the event of EACH of the following, stating ONE reason for
EACH:

(a) Turbocharger repeatedly surging; (4)

(b) Air start manifold/branch pipe overheating local to one unit; (4)
(c) Low scavenge air temperature alarm; (4)
(d) Engine misfires, fuel rail pressure low alarm activates, booster pump pressure high(4)

Question 18
Describe the function of EACH of the following diesel engine components:

(a) Bedplate; (4)

(b) Tie rods; (4)
(c) Holding down bolts; (4)
(d) Crankshaft. (4)
(d) (alternative) Chocks. (4)
(d) (alternative) Entablature. (4)

Question 19
With reference to a main engine jacket water cooling system:

(a) Explain, with the aid of sketches, how the jacket water temperature is maintained as
its optimum value; (8)
(b) State the possible effects on the engine if the jacket water temperature are
maintained outside the desired value. (8)

Question 20
State FOUR tests which are required for boiler water, giving a reason for EACH test. (16)

Question 21
With reference to diesel alternator crankcase explosions;

(a) State TWO possible causes of a hot spot; (8)

(b) Explain how the effects are minimized. (8)

Question 22
(a) State the reason for turning the engine with the turning gear prior to starting. (4)
(b) State the reason for leaving the indicator cocks on main engine cylinders open when
the engine is turned initially with the turning gear. (4)
(c) State the reason for leaving the lubricating oil circulating after “Finish with engines”.
(4)
(d) State why diesel alternator cooling water may be circulated through the Main engine
after shutdown. (4)

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Question 23
Describe, with the aid of sketches, the operating principle of the 2-stroke cycle diesel engine.
(16)

Question 24
With reference to a main engine air starting system:

(a) State FIVE important safety features fitted to the system; (10)
(b) State how a leaking air start valve may be detected when the engine is running; (2)
(c) Explain the dangers of allowing a leaking air start valve to persist. (4)

Question 25
As engineer officer of the watch explain the procedure to be followed in the event of a
crankcase oil mist alarm on a bridge controlled, constant speed, main propulsion engine
fitted with a controllable pitch propeller (16)

Question 26
State FOUR possible causes for an auxiliary diesel engine to have dark smoke in the exhaust.
(16)

Question 27
(a) Explain the procedure to be carried out before the inspection of the scavenge space
on a large two stroke diesel engine. (8)
(b) State FOUR reasons for carrying out a scavenge space inspection. (8)

Question 28
Describe, with the aid of sketches, the operational cycle of a 4 stroke diesel Engine. (16)

Question 29
With reference to a small diesel engine that requires the use of a starting handle:

(a) State the procedure for starting; (8)

(b) State EIGHT reasons that would cause difficulty in starting. (8)

Question 30
With reference to the operation of main propulsion engines, outline the importance of EACH
of the followings:

(a) Maintaining the temperature of the scavenge air above the dew point; (4)
(b) Maintaining the fuel at the correct viscosity for injections; (4)
(c) Regular on board testing of the lubricating oil; (4)
(d) Ensuring rotation of exhaust valves. (4)

Question 31
Describe the how high viscosity fuel oil is prepared for delivery to the injection pumps to
ensure correct conditions for combustion. (16)

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Question 32
(a) State TWO reasons for fitting an exhaust gas turbocharger to an engine. (4)
(b) For EACH of the following, describe the effect of dirty or restricted:
(i) Air filters; (4)
(ii) Exhaust gas turbine. (4)
(c) Outline how the exhaust gas turbine is cleaned in service. (4)

Question 33
List, in a logical sequence, the checks to be carried out if an auxiliary diesel engine fails to
start. (16)

Question 34
With reference to marine diesel engines:

(a) State the purpose of a camshaft; (2)

(b) State TWO methods of driving a camshaft on a large marine diesel engine; (4)
(c) State the speed of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft on:
(i) A four-stroke engine; (2)
(ii) A two-stroke engine. (2)
(d) Sketch a fuel cam for a unidirectional diesel engine indicating EACH of the following:
(i) Point of injection; (2)
(ii) Peak; (2)
(iii) Slow return. (2)

Question 35
State the immediate action to be taken in the event of EACH of the following circumstances
occurring with a large main propulsion diesel engine, given a reason for EACH action:

(a) turbocharger surging during heavy weather; (2)

(b) excessive vibration from turbocharger at full sea speed; (2)
(c) overheating of air start branch pipe to one cylinder during manoeuvring; (2)
(d) high main bearing temperature. (2)

Question 36
(a) Sketch a typical power indicator card for a slow speed marine diesel engine. (6)
(b) Explain how the card may be used to assess the power developed in the cylinder. (10)

Question 37
(a) Describe the testing of a fuel oil injector after overhaul and before it is refitted to the
engine. (8)
(b) State the stages of onboard preparation of heavy fuel oil prior to use. (8)

Question 38
(a) State FOUR important factors which contribute to the initiation of a scavenge fire. (8)
(b) State the duties of the Engineer Officer of the Watch on discovering a scavenge fire.
(8)

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Question 39
With reference to high viscosity fuel oil:

(a) Explain how it is treated between storage tank and main engine; (10)
(b) State the purpose for the treatment in explained in Q(a). (6)

Question 40
With reference to conditions which may cause an explosion in the crankcase of a large
marine diesel engine:

(a) State FOUR possible sources of ignition; (8)

(b) State TWO methods which can be used to detect a potentially dangerous situation
within the crankcase (4)
(c) State TWO other indications which could signify a possible dangerous situation within
the crankcase. (4)

Question 41
With reference to an auxiliary diesel engine:

(a) Explain the procedure for preparing for starting; (10)

(b) Outline those checks made on the machine once it is running on load. (6)

Question 42
With reference to inlet and exhaust valves on a four stroke diesel engine:

(a) Explain why the correct tappet clearances are essential; (8)
(b) State the results of the tappet clearances being:
(i) Too large; (4)
(ii) Too small. (4)

Question 43
With reference to an auxiliary diesel engine showing an abnormally low lubricating oil
pressure:

(a) State FOUR possible causes. (8)

(b) Explain how each cause stated in Q(a) is identified. (8)

Question 44
(a) State FOUR possible factors leading to a scavenge fire. (8)
(b) State FOUR indications of a scavenge fire. (8)

Question 45
(a) State TWO differences between a trunk type and a crosshead type diesel engine. (4)
(b) Describe, with the aid of sketches, the combustion process of the two- stroke
compression ignition engine. (12)

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Question 46
Describe the procedure to change the fuel supply of the main propulsion engine from high
viscosity fuel to low viscosity fuel such as diesel oil. (16)

Question 47
(a) In the case of a main engine and Controllable Pitch Propeller not responding to
bridge control, describe the routine for changing to and using Engine Room Control.
(8)
(b) Explain how control of fuel pump delivery is achieved when emergency manoeuvring
on engine side control of a large 2 stroke crosshead engine. (8)

Question 48
(a) Sketch a typical diagram for a two-stroke diesel engine. (8)
(b) Describe the sequences of events in the timing diagram drawn in Q(a). (8)

Question 49
Draw a line diagram of a fuel oil system from fuel oil storage tanks to the daily service tank,
for a large diesel engine plant using HVFO. Label all the main components of the system
including any safety devices fitted. (16)

Question 50
With reference to the normal temperatures and pressures for a load, describe the conditions
that would be observed on an auxiliary diesel engine that was running with a dirty or
restricted charge air cooler. (16)

Question 51
With reference to exhaust gas economizers:

(a) State why regular soot blowing is considered necessary; (4)

(b) Explain why it is important to maintain the exhaust gas temperature above the dew
point; (6)
(c) List THREE indications of an exhaust gas economizer fire. (6)

Question 52
With reference to main engine turbochargers:

(a) Explain their functions; (4)

(b) Stating TWO advantages of fitting them; (4)
(c) Explain how they are cooled and lubricated. (8)
(c) (alternative) State why diesel alternator cooling water may be circulated through the
main engine after shutdown. (8)

Question 53
(a) Make a labeled diagram of a jacket cooling water system suitable for a Diesel engine.
(8)
(b) State the purpose of the major components shown in the sketch in Q(a). (8)

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Question 54
(a) State why the simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air into a Main
engine cylinder is undesirable. (2)
(b) Explain how simultaneous injection of fuel oil and starting air is prevented. (4)
(c) Explain how a leaking air start valve is detected while the engine is running. (4)
(d) Describe the actions to be taken upon discovery of a leaking air start valve. (6)

Question 55
With reference to medium speed diesel engine sketch and label a typical arrangement for
the piston and connecting rod. (16)

Question 56
(a) Describe the test which is carried out on a fuel injector after overhaul. (8)
(b) Sketch a section through the nozzle of a fuel injector. (8)

Question 57
With reference to the auxiliary diesel engine, state FOUR possible causes for EACH of the
following conditions:

(a) The engine failed to turn over when the starting air control was operated; (8)
(b) The engine failed to fire and pick up speed after the starting air was applied. (8)

Question 58
Sketch a simple cross section through an air start valve for a marine diesel engine. (16)

Question 59
(a) State the name of the equipment used to give a warning of the presence of
conditions that could lead to an explosion in the crankcase of a diesel engine. (2)
(b) Sketch and describe the device used to relieve any excess pressure that might
develop as a result of a crankcase explosion in a diesel engine. (14)

Question 60
(a) Explain how high viscosity fuel oil is treated prior to entering the main engine. (8)
(b) State the changes in the fuel preparation required when changing to a fuel of lower
density and viscosity. (8)

Question 61
(a) Explain the constructional difference between a slow speed 2 stroke and a medium
speed 4 stroke diesel engine with respect to the connection between the piston and
the crankshaft. (8)
(b) Describe the function of the diaphragm and stuffing box. (8)

Question 62
Describe a heavy fuel oil system from setting tank to fuel oil injector of the main engine. (16)

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Question 63
(a) Explain the meaning of the term Supercharging and state how it is achieved. (8)
(b) State how would you ascertain that EACH of the following components had become
fouled:
(i) Charge air intercooler; (4)
(ii) Air intake suction filters. (4)