<![CDATA[The auxiliary engines that drive a ship’s generators must operate reliably, and their piston rings are critical for maintaining compression and preventing the leakage of combustion gases. This study identifies the causes of the piston ring damage in an auxiliary engine of the MV Fatime and the measures taken to repair it and prevent recurrence. A descriptive qualitative design was used, with data collected through observation, interviews with engineers and crew, and technical documentation, including engine operating records, during the authors’ sea practice. On 14 January 2024, during a voyage from China to Brunei, the auxiliary engine stopped, and the Third Engineer found the piston of cylinder No. 3 sticking. Dismantling revealed a broken compression ring and a worn and corroded oil ring. The operating records showed that, compared with the normal condition, the exhaust gas temperature of cylinder No. 3 fell progressively from 325 °C to 265 °C over 24 hours and the engine speed fell from 714 to 660 rpm, while the other cylinders remained at about 328–332 °C; after repair, cylinder No. 3 returned to 328–331 °C and the speed to 719–720 rpm. The damage was attributed mainly to exceeded running hours and inadequate lubrication, with cooling problems and contaminated intake air as possible contributing factors. The broken rings were replaced and the cylinder head and piston were cleaned. Lubricating oil changes according to the maker’s schedule, monitoring of running hours and of individual cylinder exhaust temperatures, and regular measurement of ring clearances are recommended.]]>
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