The truck-mounted crane is frequently employed in various engineering constructions. After an extended period of usage, the truck-mounted crane might occasionally encounter the issue of oil leakage. Such leakage can have a detrimental impact on the performance of thetruck-mounted crane. Additionally, it leads to the wastage of lubricating oil and fuel, as well as causes environmental pollution.
If the truck-mounted crane experiences oil leakage, it is essential to promptly seek solutions. Firstly, we need to comprehend the reasons behind the oil leakage of the truck-mounted crane. Commonly, there are typically seven primary causes:
Poor product quality, including substandard materials or craftsmanship, as well as issues in the structural design.
Let’s elaborate on this aspect. Inferior materials may lack the necessary durability and resistance to wear and tear. Poor craftsmanship can result in improper sealing or weak welds. Structural design flaws might not account for stress distribution or fluid dynamics, leading to areas prone to leakage over time.
Improper assembly, with unclean mating surfaces, damaged, displaced, or not installed in accordance with the operating procedures and specifications of gaskets.
During the assembly process, any negligence or failure to follow precise guidelines can result in misaligned components or insufficient sealing. Dirt or debris on mating surfaces prevent a tight fit, while damaged or displaced gaskets cannot effectively prevent oil from seeping through.
Uneven tightening force of the fastening nuts, stripped or broken threads, or loosening and falling off, resulting in operational failure.
The tightening of nuts requires a precise and uniform force. If some nuts are overly tightened while others are too loose, it can create imbalances and stress concentrations. Stripped or broken threads weaken the connection, and loosening or falling off of nuts can directly lead to gaps and subsequent oil leaks.
Excessive wear, aging, deterioration, and deformation failure of sealing materials after long-term use.
Sealing materials, such as rubber gaskets or O-rings, are subject to constant pressure, temperature variations, and chemical exposure. Over time, they can lose their elasticity, become brittle, or deform, allowing oil to escape through the compromised seals.
Excessive addition of lubricating oil, too high oil level, or addition of the wrong type of oil.
Adding an excessive amount of lubricating oil or using an incorrect type can increase internal pressure and disrupt the proper functioning of seals. The higher oil level can also lead to oil being forced out through weak points in the system.
Components (side covers, thin-walled parts) have flexural deformation on the mating surfaces and damage to the housing, causing the lubricating oil to seep out.
The mating surfaces of components need to be precisely aligned and flat for a proper seal. Any deformation or damage can create pathways for oil to leak. Thin-walled parts are more susceptible to bending or warping under stress or temperature changes.
After the breather plug and one-way valve are blocked, due to the pressure difference inside and outside the box housing, oil leakage often occurs at the weak sealing points.
The breather plug and one-way valve are crucial for maintaining pressure equilibrium within the system. When they are blocked, pressure builds up, increasing the likelihood of oil finding its way out through the weakest points in the seals or joints.
The following are the measures to prevent oil leakage of the vehicle for your reference:
Attach great importance to the role of gaskets. The gaskets between the stationary parts of the truck-mounted crane (such as each joint end face, each end cover, housing, cover gasket, etc.) play a vital role in leak-proof sealing. If the materials, manufacturing quality, and installation do not meet the technical specifications, they will fail to fulfill the function of leak-proof sealing and may even trigger accidents. For instance, the oil pan or valve cover may leak oil due to the large contact area and the difficulty in achieving a tight seal.
The choice of gasket material should be based on the operating conditions and properties of the fluids involved. Installation requires careful cleaning of the mating surfaces and ensuring proper alignment and compression of the gasket.
All kinds of fastening nuts on the vehicle need to be tightened according to the specified torque. If the gasket is too loose, it will lead to leakage; if it is too tight, the metal around the nut hole will bulge or the thread will be stripped, causing oil leakage. In addition, if the oil drain plug of the oil pan is not tightened or loosens and falls off, it is highly prone to causing oil loss, and subsequently, it can result in mechanical damage accidents such as “burning the bearing bush and seizing the shaft”.
Using a torque wrench to apply the correct amount of force ensures that the nuts are tightened to the optimal level. Regular checks and re-tightening if necessary can prevent loosening over time.
Replace the failed oil seals in a timely manner. Many parts of the truck-mounted crane may experience oil leakage due to improper installation, the shaft diameter and the cutting edge of the oil seal not being concentric, or deflection. Some oil seals will lose their elasticity due to rubber aging after prolonged use. Swift replacement of the oil seal upon detecting oil leakage is essential.
Regular inspection of oil seals for signs of wear, cracking, or deformation can help identify potential problems before they lead to significant leaks.
Avoid blocking the one-way valve and breather valve. This can cause the temperature inside the box housing to rise, with the oil and gas filling the entire space and being unable to be discharged, thereby increasing the pressure inside the box housing. This not only increases the consumption of lubricating oil and shortens the replacement cycle but also poses risks. After the engine ventilation system is blocked, the movement resistance of the piston escalates, increasing fuel consumption. Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the box housing, oil leakage frequently occurs at the weak sealing points. Therefore, regular inspection, dredging, and cleaning of the vehicle are indispensable.
A clogged one-way valve or breather valve disrupts the normal pressure and ventilation balance, creating adverse effects on the performance and longevity of the components.
Properly address the sealing of various tubing joints. The union nuts for vehicles are frequently disassembled and assembled, making them prone to stripped or broken threads and loosening, causing oil seepage. Replacing the union nut and employing the grinding method to solve its tapered surface sealing, and then tightening the nut to achieve a tight seal.
The quality and condition of the union nuts should be inspected regularly. Using appropriate sealing compounds or gaskets can enhance the sealing effect.
Avoid oil throwing from the wheel hub. Excessive lubricating grease in the wheel hub bearing and cavity, improper assembly of its oil seal, poor quality and aging failure, high wheel hub temperature caused by frequent braking, and loosening of the axle nut can all lead to oil throwing from the wheel hub. Therefore, the “cavity lubrication method (that is, appropriate lubrication)” should be adopted to dredge the vent holes.
Maintaining the correct amount and quality of lubricating grease in the wheel hub, as well as ensuring the proper installation and condition of the oil seal and axle nut, is crucial for preventing oil leakage and related issues.
The oil leakage of the truck-mounted crane should not be underestimated. Oil leakage can cause damage to components and significantly affect the operation of the truck-mounted crane. Everyone must pay close attention and take prompt and effective measures to address this problem to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.
By understanding the causes of oil leakage and implementing the appropriate preventive measures, the reliability and longevity of the truck-mounted crane can be enhanced, reducing the potential for costly repairs and downtime.
