In recent years, with the advancement of the national economy, various large and small-scale engineering projects have been booming, and the utilization of truck-mounted cranes has become increasingly prevalent. However, as with any vehicle, it is inevitable to encounter various issues such as oil leakage. The problem of vehicle oil leakage is highly troublesome, and the special vehicle truck-mounted crane is no exception. Today, let’s discuss how to prevent oil leakage in truck-mounted cranes.
First and foremost, it is essential to pay attention to the role of gaskets. The gaskets between numerous components of the truck-mounted crane serve as leak-proof seals, such as various joint end faces, end covers, and so on. If the materials, manufacturing quality, and installation do not meet the technical specifications, they will fail to achieve the desired leak-proof sealing effect and might even lead to accidents. For instance, the oil pan or valve cover, due to their large contact area, is not easily compacted and is highly prone to oil leakage.
Imagine a situation where an improperly installed gasket in the valve cover allows oil to seep out continuously, not only causing a waste of resources but also potentially contaminating the surrounding components and affecting the crane’s performance.
Tighten the nuts properly. The truck-mounted crane is equipped with numerous bolts, and their fastening is of great significance. All types of fastening nuts on the truck-mounted crane should be tightened as per the requirements. If the nuts are too loose and the gasket is not tightly compressed, oil leakage will occur; conversely, if they are overly tightened, the metal around the screw holes might protrude or the screw threads could slip, resulting in oil leakage. Additionally, if the oil drain bolt of the oil pan is not tightened or becomes loose and falls off, it is highly likely to cause engine oil loss, subsequently leading to mechanical damage incidents such as “bearing bushing burnout and shaft seizure”.
A loose nut on an important component like the oil filter can cause a significant oil leak, potentially damaging the engine and causing the crane to come to a halt in the middle of an operation.
Replace failed oil seals promptly. Many moving parts on the vehicle may experience oil leakage due to improper installation, the shaft diameter and the oil seal not being concentric, and resulting sway. Some oil seals lose their elasticity due to rubber aging after prolonged use. Any sign of oil seepage should be addressed without delay.
Over time, an aged oil seal on the crankshaft can start to leak, allowing oil to escape and potentially causing damage to other parts of the engine and the surrounding area.
Avoid blocking the one-way valve and the vent valve. This can cause the temperature inside the casing to rise, and the oil and gas to fill the entire space and be unable to escape, thereby increasing the pressure within the casing, escalating the consumption of lubricating oil, and shortening the replacement cycle. Once the engine ventilation system is clogged, the movement resistance of the piston increases, augmenting fuel consumption. Due to the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the casing, oil leakage often occurs at weak sealing points. Therefore, the truck-mounted crane should be inspected, dredged, and cleaned on a regular basis.
A blocked vent valve can lead to excessive pressure buildup, which might force oil out through weak seals or even cause damage to internal components.
Handle the sealing of various tubing joints appropriately. The union nuts utilized on vehicles are frequently disassembled and assembled, making them prone to slippage and loosening, causing oil seepage. Replacing the union nut and employing the grinding method to achieve a conical surface seal, that is, pressing the nut to ensure sealing.
Improper sealing of tubing joints can lead to small but persistent oil leaks that can add up over time and cause significant problems.
Avoid oil throwing from the hub. Excessive lubricating grease in the hub bearing and cavity, or improper assembly, poor quality and aging failure of its oil seal; excessive hub temperature caused by frequent braking; loosening of the axle nut, etc. can all result in oil throwing from the hub. Therefore, the “cavity lubrication method” should be employed to vent the vent holes.
Now, let’s explore some additional preventive measures and considerations for oil leakage in truck-mounted cranes:
Regular inspection of the engine’s sealing surfaces, such as cylinder heads and engine blocks, is crucial. Any cracks or deformations can lead to oil leaks and should be repaired or replaced promptly.
The use of high-quality sealing compounds and adhesives during maintenance and assembly can enhance the sealing effectiveness and reduce the risk of leaks.
When replacing components that involve oil seals or gaskets, it’s advisable to choose genuine or OEM parts that are designed specifically for the truck-mounted crane model to ensure a proper fit and seal.
Pay attention to the condition of the oil filter housing and its seals. A damaged or worn-out filter housing can cause oil to leak from this area.
Monitor the condition of the crankcase ventilation hose. A clogged or cracked hose can affect the pressure balance in the engine and potentially lead to oil leaks.
During maintenance, ensure that all surfaces are clean and free from debris or old sealant residue before installing new seals or gaskets.
It’s also beneficial to keep an eye on the oil level and quality. Low oil levels or contaminated oil can put additional stress on the engine and its sealing components, increasing the likelihood of leaks.
Finally, training maintenance personnel on the correct installation and tightening procedures for various components can minimize the risk of human error causing oil leaks.
In conclusion, preventing oil leakage in truck-mounted cranes requires a combination of regular inspections, proper maintenance techniques, the use of quality parts, and attention to detail. By implementing these measures, the reliability and performance of the crane can be maintained, and the potential for costly oil leaks and related damages can be significantly reduced.
