Irregularities in Indicator Diagram
Irregularities in Indicator Diagram
Irregularities in the shape of indicator diagrams are indications of faulty engine operations. If irregularity
seems for all units, problem may be common like faults in fuel oil system, intake air, turbocharger, air
cooler, exhaust, etc. When the irregularity is confined to a single unit, problem could be of fuel injectors,
fuel pump, exhaust valve, etc.
Early Ignition
Abnormally high peak pressure of the unit is recorded at the top of the piston stroke.
Knocking sound comes out of the engine due to heavy loads passed to bearings via running gear.
Early ignition causes increased thermal efficiency of the engine. Also exhaust temperature
reduces since combustion starts long before it is supposed to. But the shock loads and vibrations
results in damage of the engine.
Causes
Late Ignition
Low peak pressure is indicated for the unit after top dead center.
Combustion continue during expansion stroke, give rise to incomplete combustion of fuel, loss
of energy, elevated exhaust gas temperature for the unit, and black smoke at the engine
exhaust.
Reduced power of the engine due to incomplete combustion of the fuel and energy lost in the
exhaust.
Causes
Incorrect atomization
After Burning
Since burning of fuel continues, exhaust gas temperature and pressure increases, causing black
smoke at engine exhaust.
Unburnt carbon deposits fouls exhaust system, cause damage to exhaust valve and seat,
turbocharger surges and there are chances of uptake fires in exhaust gas economizer.
Elevated temperatures inside cylinders cause breaking up of lubrication and increased wear of
liners, piston rings, burning of piston crown, etc.
Causes
Reduced power in the affected unit, high exhaust temperature and presence of black smoke in
exhaust.
Sudden up and downs in indicated diagram in the fuel injection and expansion side.
Causes
Leaking fuel injector.
Chocking of fuel injector spray holes, which leads to improper atomization and dripping of fuel.
Causes
Low Compression
Indications and Effects
Causes
Improper combustion
Leakage of air in between piston rings and liner while compression stroke due to worn out liner
or piston rings.
Early Opening
Late Opening
Low quality of exhaust gas delivered to the turbocharger inversely affect its operation
Choked Exhaust
Indications and Effects
Turbocharger surging
Improper combustion