Auxiliary Engine Turbocharger: Measuring Axial and Radial Clearances

Auxiliary Engine Turbocharger: Measuring Axial and Radial Clearances

Updated: Oct 21, 2026 Views 3

Measuring axial / radial clearance of Aux. Engine Turbocharger’s Shaft

Mark the turbine housing relative to the bearing

housing and remove the turbine housing

Axial clearance 

Arrange the dial gauge bracket with magnetic foot and dial gauge as shown in the illustration. Apply the dial gauge with initial tension on the face of the shaft end of the turbine wheel. Press the rotor shaft against the dial gauge, read off and note the value. Press the rotor shaft in the opposite direction, read off and note the value. The difference between the values obtained is the

axial clearance.

Replace the turbocharger if this clearance is ex-ceeded.

Radial clearance

The radial clearance is measured only on the tur-bine side with a dial gauge or feeler gauge. Place the measuring tip of the dial gauge to the side of the hub, press the turbine wheel to the dial gauge, read off and note the value. Press the turbine wheel in the opposite direction, read off and note the value. The difference between the values obtained is the radial clearance. Measure at several points. If the play exceeds the permissible value, ex-change turbocharger.

You might be interested

Updated: Oct 02, 2026
KEY CONSIDERATIONS AND CALCULATIONS BEFORE ANCHORING IN DEEP WATER

Anchoring in deep water requires the Master and deck team to carefully assess the water depth, required anchor cable length, windlass capacity, and loads acting on the anchoring system. This article presents practical principles and calculations for deep water anchoring, together with key considerations during anchoring operations, anchoring large vessels, and anchor watch, with the aim of ensuring the safety of the vessel, equipment, and crew.

See more
Updated: Sep 10, 2026
NIGHT ORDER BOOK – MASTER’S NIGHT ORDERS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE WATCHKEEPING (PART 2)

The Night Order Book is an important tool for the Master to communicate specific instructions and safety precautions to the Officers of the Watch during the vessel’s night passage. The Night Order should be regularly updated to reflect the actual voyage conditions, weather, navigational area and operational status of the vessel, while remaining consistent with the Company’s SMS and relevant OCIMF/SIRE 2.0 practices. For LPG/LNG carriers, oil tankers and chemical tankers, particular attention should be given to navigational safety, CPA/TCPA, weather conditions, navigational equipment, cargo operations and other vessel-specific risks. For LPG/LNG carriers, additional considerations may include cargo tank pressure and temperature, the reliquefaction plant, gas detection systems and cargo tank conditions.

See more
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
SPECIALIZED 4TH ENGINEER TRAINING – PRACTICAL LEARNING, STRONGER SKILLS, GREATER CONFIDENCE ON BOARD

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the professional competence of Vietnamese seafarers, SUNRISE MANPOWER CO., LTD successfully organized a Specialized 4th Engineer Training Session. The training focused not only on strengthening technical knowledge but also on providing participants with opportunities to work directly with equipment, discuss real-life operational situations, and learn practical experience from experienced Chief Engineers. This training program is one of SUNRISE MANPOWER’s practical initiatives to support seafarers in enhancing their skills, becoming more confident in their duties, and maintaining safe operations on board.

See more
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Protective Shields on Main Engines – Purpose and Differences in Installation

Protective Shields are additional safety devices fitted around the cylinder ends of some MAN B&W ME engines, particularly at Cylinder No. 1 and No. 6. Although they are not standard factory equipment, many shipowners require their installation to protect crew members from high-temperature combustion gases that may escape under abnormal cylinder pressure, especially during main engine starting. The article explains the reason for their installation and why the arrangement may differ between engines of the same type.

See more
Contact wiget Chat Zalo wechat Chat