We reported in our December 2024 update that D1048 possesses 5 major earth faults on the control side of her electrical system. 2 of these faults are at “A” end and 3 at “B” end. Surface level investigations have been undertaken on the 2 major earth faults at “A” end but unfortunately we have not been able to locate the source of these faults. A more in depth investigation will need to be carried out on these 2 wires. As D1048 is only being assessed at this time, the decision has been taken to not get “bogged down” in this area and to best spend our time continuing other areas of Lady’s assessment. The working members involved have proven that the fault is with the wires themselves and not the components the wires feed. Both wires have been disconnected and terminated at both of their respective ends. The 3 major earth faults at “B” end have not been investigated.
As per our previous update, the small group of working members have now assessed the power side of D1048’s electrical systems. As a precaution all cables connecting the batteries, the two cables connecting the batteries to the BIS and all four cables connecting the BIS to the main start contactors were “megger” tested. All cables passed. Following this the power systems were engerised with no faults reported. A fantastic find. With this the control circuits were also energised. Both control systems (except for the 5 wires previously mentioned) and power systems have been energised simultaneously with no faults reported. All four main start contactors have been successfully energised and responded as expected. This proves that D1048 is safe and capable of delivering all electrical power required from the batteries all the way through to both sets of start contactors.
An additional electrical note worth mentioning is that all electrical tests undertaken at “B” end have been performed from “A” end. The working members involved have proven on several occasions that the common control and power wiring, which runs end-to-end are in good condition, with the full 110v arriving at “B” end. Another very encouraging sign.
Additional wiring and equipment noted in both cabs over D1013 and D1062.
“A” end engine oil priming pump has been energised but is unresponsive. The motor shaft is free and is able to be turned by hand.
“B” end engine oil priming pump bas been energised and is operational, purring away very nicely.
“A” end preheater is yet to be assessed as it is not in situ.
“B” end preheater is operational and has run. Noted to have an operational damper and timer.
Both fuel pumps were initially seized but have subsequently been freed.
“A” end fuel pump has been energised but is unresponsive.
“B” end fuel pump has been energised, is operational and has been run up.
“A” end engine has had all 6 cam covers removed and top end inspected. The top end of “A” engine is in excellent condition with absolutely no signs of rust or corrosion anywhere.
Oil levels were found to be very low so have been topped up. “A” end engine is free and can be barred over.
“B” end engine has had only the centre cam cover removed on the walkway side at this time. The area inspected is also in excellent condition with absolutely no signs of rust or corrosion anywhere; shiny metal and oil reported in locations as per expectations. “B” end engine is free and can be barred over.
“A” end turbo charger freely spins.
“B” end turbo charger seized.
All warning instruments on both desks now have a full complement of lamps.
A driver’s key has been inserted into both power controllers with power and control circuits live with the following noted:
“A” end – “reverse engine only” unavailable. No response from any relays or solenoids when entered into “forward” or “reverse”. Further investigation required! Power handle has full range.
“B” end – all directional options available. When “forward” is selected transmission solenoids at BOTH ends activate, transmission reverser relay deactivates. When “reverse” is selected transmission solenoids at BOTH ends activate, transmission reverser relay activates. In short, all transmission directional solenoids at both ends are correctly communicating with each other from “B” end controller ensuring that when one transmission is in “forward” the other is in “reverse”. Power handle has full range.
To move the assessment forward however, D1048 will require a new set of batteries. The set of batteries currently fitted to ‘Lady’ are fully life expired and have been disconnected and links taken out in readiness for removal. A brand new set of batteries has been purchased and already delivered to the SVR. In due course the brand new set of batteries will be fitted to D1062, with the batteries removed from D1062 then being handed down to D1048.
Once D1048 has received D1062’s old set of batteries major components can then be energised and tested to continue D1048’s assessment. These items will include dynostarters, air compressors and vacuum exhausters.
Further updates to follow…..
News Update and content courtesy of Mike Targett & Mike Tromans