Tie Rod

Tie rod holds the three major engine components, "A" frame crankcase and cylinder block or entablature in compression and transmits the firing load to the bed plate.

• Hydraulically tightened so that the whole engine can be held in compression.
• Placed as close to the centerline of the crankshaft of the engine to minimize the bending movement in the transverse girder.

Effect of loose or broken tie rod

• Vibration in the main engine.
• Fretting of mating surface.
• Can cause crank shaft misalignment.
• Bearing damage.
• Foundation bolts and chocks may get loose.
• T/C of engine due to vibration in engine which will cause damage to rotor and bearing.

Tie- Rod Breaking reasons:-

• Not properly tightened.
• Material and threading of tie rod under rated.
• Aging of tie rod.
• Over tightened.
• Engine overload or peak pressure of cylinder very high.
• Foundation bolts have become loose or chocks are damaged reading to transmission of vibration in to tie rods.
• Scavenge fire results in expansion of rods.
• Quenching screws are loose.
• Heavy weather can cause engine overload.

Removing a broken tie rod:-

1. Cut the tie rod out in small pieces.
2. Passing a wire loop down the tie rod tube to the bottom of the tie bolt and lifting the bolt out.
3. Jacking the bolt out from below.