Gas Compression

[danmfranco]

Dear Caterpillar representatives

Please, find attached notes describing a CAT 3608 bolt failure.

We have four CATERPILLAR 3608 units with these serial numbers in these facilities:

BEN 00508

BEN 00518

BEN 00517

BEN 00514 .

The failure has been in only one of our 4 machines in site -at the moment.

We are very concern about the possibility of having this problem with another cylinder or in another motor  (17 797 operation hours only).

We are in a rush to get the all the replacement parts to get our unit back in operation, waiting for spares since last March, with all the consequences of delays and expenses.

It is very important for us get all your technical support and resources to:

a) Avoid and prevent this happen in our other machines

b) identify the root cause of these damages

c) detect and report similar events

d) get the traceability of the heat number of this bolt and all the others in our units

e) confirm if any test or replacements are needed for the rest of installed bolts or any additional parts

f) get the detailed inspections procedures to prevent this problem in the rest of our systems.

We really appreciate all your assistance.

Sincerily,

Daniel Mendoza.

Report of bolt Failure, CAT motor 3608 LE

General Data:

MOTOR CATERPILLAR G3608 LE

Serial BEN 00517

Arrangement:  228-6944

The motor tripped due to Cylinder #1 Detonation Shutdown signal on March 15th.

After trying to restart the unit and having the same tripping signal, the side inspection cover was removed for the crankshaft inspection.

One Bolt- connecting rod (part number 1W-0098) was found missing the most of it, bent and broken.

The piston (pn 290-2041) and liner- cylinder (pn 7C-5044) in position #1 of the motor were scratched and damaged.

After looking for the rest of the bolt, three pieces were found total.

[AlH]

Daniel,

The best thing that I can advise you to do is to contact your nearest Cat dealer service department and relate your message to them.  I am sure that there is an answer and recommendation for you.  You can respond to the questions they will ask so that the dealer can respond in the best way for you.

Best Regards,

Al Hunt

[dave10010]

All the rod bolts need to be replaced on all 4 engines. Contact your local Cat dealer and have them reference media number REBE6746-04.

[AlH]

I don't know where you are so I don't know your nearest Cat dealer.  Click on this site, http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=39542&x=7, and you can find the Cat dealer nearest your location.  Contact the service department and they will proceed with the rod bolt rework program that is in effect.

Best Regards,

Al Hunt

[ameni]

Dear Daniel Mendoza,

Although I'm not a CAT representative. But I would like to share our experience with you.

We had a similar incident with a 3616G engine which is being used with reciprocating compressor on our site in Pakistan. After our internal investigation and with CAT support it was identified that this was infact due to bolt failure. A superseded part number with different Metallurgical properties was available as replacement and all connecting rod bolts for that particular engine would have to be replaced.

A further study detailed that all engines of 3612G/3616G type with certain specific serial numbers on our site had the same bolt installed on them.

Through a local authorized service provider we have already started the replacement process for our engines based on a pre-agreed schedule. To date we have successfully replaced bolts for 4 out of 10 engines installed on our site.

Regards,

Ahmed

[Rquiroga]

if the bolts have more than 40000 hrs without faliure, It is still need to replaced?

Ramiro Quiroga

Gas Compresion Company

[AlH]

Daniel,

In order to get the best response to the G3608 rod bolt issue, you must contact your local Caterpillar dealer.  The dealer has the most current resolution information to this rod bolt issue and is the only resource to resolve your problem and concern.

Best Regards,

Al Hunt