How to fix a defective Ship's Plummer Block?

I never really talk about my work. I can hardly remember if I ever written any blogs (MySpace blogs) on my work. Well, I guess this is a different approach or a glimpse of what I do at work. OK, yes I’m working in the line of ship's maintenance. I thought I’d like to share this one defect that has caused this ship to be upslipped and shafting work had to be done.

Alright, here's what happened. We have here a defective plummer block. WTF is a plummer block, you asked? Okay basically plummer block is a shaft bearing with housing so we call it a plummer block. Terms might differ depending on what book u read or which reference u take, but basically it can improve the main engine RPM.

Now, Always remember, things like this (plummer block defect) always come with symptoms. Things won’t just suddenly fall apart without indicators. Just like relationships, before it got broken, there are always indications that thing are going into the wrong direction, of course whether we realize of the fact or not, it's a different thing. But believe it or not the indicators are all around you when things starting to fall apart.

Anyway, trying not to divert myself from the actual topic, we got here a defective plummer block. By the time ship’s technical crew aware of this, the shaft has already shown heavy vibration with damaging noise coming from stern tube area. Fortunately, the crew made an intelligent choice by locking the shaft (from causing further damage to shaft and gearbox). Stop me if I’ve lost you.

Here’s the pic of internal components of plummer block. I think you have some idea now on what’s going on. The damaged and worn roller bearings are due to heavy friction from dispositioned bearings out of its cage.

I brought my DSLR camera to work. Gave quite a shock juga to the yard workers. Mistaken me as reporter la pulak.

The locking sleeve is also broken into two. You can imagine how strong the vibration was.

That's a very bad condition of a bearing, it's not a bearing anymore when it is no longer functions as one. The lubricant that surrounds the bearing is heavy duty grease. (smiling when i hear the word lubricant.. haha dont bother tapping my thoughts)

Just thought u might wanna know how we remove the sleeve. Takkan nak guna kenderat tangan je?? Unless if you have hantu raya kerja for you at the yard? i've heard some entiti stories to in the yard. erkkk

Walla. New roller bearings changed. well, the short version though, and how we actually replaced the bearings are different story. It involves some shafting work. I'll let you know the details after looking at the feedback of this blog. If ramai comment nak tau baru la i create another blog for this.


So basically, this is what I do every day, I don’t necessarily do the hands on job but basically I have to make a report and give recommendations for the defect rectification on the main machineries, electronics, hull and propulsion system. And yes, I don’t have a life because of my time consuming job. And I’m sorry I might be cranky at times. Bear with me, I can’t sleep in peace at night thinking my decision may cause a ship to be grounded and caused lives of ship crews at sea. On top of that my skin is getting darker ad burnt after being exposed to UV rays for hours during inspection, so dah tak handsome tapi bertambah macho. Hahahha Vain mode pula.

But no one seems to care if my work is stressful. This is different kinda stress. This is not politics at work stress or makcik makcik talking behind your back thingy. This is a pure stress coming from cracking my head at work. Is it wrong to demand for a little tiny bit of extra attention when I had to go through things that are sometimes beyond my power and intelligence?

Why is it so hard to find a girl who can love me unconditionally and would accept my weaknesses with great tolerance then eventually marry me and grow old together. That’ll be a neat love story. Enough of crazy jealous psycho bitch or a CSI girlfriend who track you down everywhere u go or attention seeker girlfriend whose feelings are on top of everyone else. Can I find a decent girlfriend with big breast? erkk wakakkaa I mean a decent girlfriend who can actually put her love ones before herself? Where have all these girls gone???

Never mind.

Let me just rectify this plummer block and continue sailing….

How much does it cost to start a new living in Sandakan?

See here I am getting into the second week of my stay in Sandakan. I've finally found a place that I like. I found a place the second day of my search. There's a guard house and the security seemed reliable compared to the ones I saw earlier. The landlord was a very nice old chinese guy. However, since he couldnt speak good BM nor english, I had dificult time trying to convince him to put up aircond into the master bedroom. he said he couldnt understand me..oh well.. no gripe! After all he belanja me two 7UP can drinks when i dropped by at his provision store. i'll put up an aircond myself then. Not this month though, am pretty tight with the budget.

OK. I guess this could be a guide for those who decided to settle down ASAP upon arriving SAndakan. Of course it has to be based on the priority list. My need is definitely to have a nice place to sleep on, to take bath & Sh*t, a place for me to do my computer work & going online and last but not least is to basuh my baju baja.

Now, with no friends to count on, no car to bring me around and no relatives to call during emergency, I managed to settle down. Here's what u've got to get, let's see how much it has costed me. I'm wondering myself. It takes a blog to know how much im spending in 3 days time.

A) HOUSE RENT

First, RM500 house rent + 2 months deposit=

RM 1500

B) CLEANING PURPOSES

Dengan sehelai sepinggangnya, A broom is definitely a must buy item in cleaning. and guess what i manage to get a good broom which is cheap. Suprisingly, i found something cheap here.

Mop. Wouldnt expect me to bring from home, would ya?

This scrub is definitely a must have. My favourite scrub ever. I think this scrub is cheaper compared to Semenanjung price.

Harpic is the best bet when it comes to toilet cleaner. But this is darurat, to get a nice place in shortest time possible and not to mention with the least expenses made. Oh well,

OK. Floor Cleaner. oh do i need to do this caption thingy in every pics? The pic is self explanatory actually. but since this is my first posting, i should put that extra edge for this blog.

Did you know there's Giant superstore in Sandakan? U Dont? ok now u do. and this slippers just cost me less than 4 bucks. And the bathroom mat is ermmm FREE, courtesy of my landlord.

Haaa Kamu mau cuci rumah pakai apa? kamu perlu baldi dan gayung bah.Tiada Amah mau bantu kamu.
Yes. takkan ketiak jer nak deodorant. wakakakka I need to take bath in peace, i would've bought a more expensive aroma therapy toilet perfume but the idea is to keep in budget. This type lasts long anyways.

OK. Nothing beats good smell.

You never know, two ways philips and cross screw driver, and a pair of scissors. You'll need it, trut me!

C) IRONING & MAKING LAUNDRY

Like all the other people who transfer from one place to another, i'm sure they have brought with them half the things i just bought. But you wouldnt want to pay much on the extra kgs. and i cant just drive an mpv to Sabah together with my things.

I was cheated, i thought it was RM12, The tag was misleading, it was for the basket next to this. darn.

Iron bawa sini suDA. tapi do i need to spend RM 10 for a feebreeze type? Mixed a bit perfume and tap water would do the trick. If steam iron, u wouldnt need this tho.

Sekiranya menangis di perantauan. haha screw you!

Yes, hangers and this clothes stand are also a must get. Very helpful and convenient. of course i dont plan to do my laundry with pail and brush everyday. But as a start, before my car arrives here, membasuh dan memberus jer la keje. Kete sampai hantar Dobi aja.

D) DAPUR ITEMS & FOOD & DRINKS

Items listed below is some basic kitchen ware that u'll be using it daily. It has saved me a couple of times from starving and dehydration.

One big gripe about Sandakan is that we face blackouts and an insufficient water supply all the time. Since, i never believe in Tap water, even when im in KL. So, i guess i just stick to mineral water, like always. Price not far than the ones in KL.

This kettle has help me alot this past few days. Untuk mandi dan buat my tea every morning. Thanks kettle!

For emergency purposes.. Oh yeahhh



Yes, a quick treat to stomach every morning. Fridge apa semua tarak, cant keep anothing heavy or meaty. So have to make do with cereal for breakfast, and ohh, at my working place the canteen only sells maggie. another gripe? dont bother...

E) ADDITIONAL

Saves space!

I totally forgot about bringing my torch light. How could i??? i've got 4 sets of torch lights at home. Different sizes, different brightnes. Use torch lights alot at work, and i left it at home. WTF??? So, since Sandakan faces blackouts ALOT. Torch light wajib beli bah.

I bought it cause it's cheap and helpful.

This type of bags really helps alot. as a temporary wardrobe and other storage yg boleh cover semak samun. Good for messy people like me.

F) SLEEPING ZONE

Yep, after staying at the hotel for more than a week, i can't compromise the sleepig comfort. I just need to lie down in good matress. I thought a divan is better than a bed since i can choose to put bed end or not. And the matress also very foam-y like, although it's actualy spring type. A good deal considering the price not too expensive but provides high comfort level . Jangan lupa beli sarung bantal and bed sheet.

I bought it cause it's cheap and looks good. Don't u think so?



SUMMED UP TO: RM 2870.44

okay, few more things to go. Will i be able to make this place a home by new year??? A whole lot more things to buy. Kena lah tunggu gaji bulan depan pula. hahaha. Cheers people.