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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD-16-86 REPORT #4 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT File # 1 -3 Res. Y 6 -Law # — — _ i MTTING: COUNCIL DATE: MAY 26, 1986. i REPORT #: FD - 16 FILE #: 10.12.6. SUBJECT: Mechanical Parts Breakdown - 1974 Ford Tanker Engine I i I RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended: THAT this report be received for information. BACKGROUND AND COMMENTS Pursuant to G.P.A. Resolution 448-86 - that the Fire Chief submit to Council a failure analysis of the 1974 Ford Tanker engine - I would advise as follows: A rebuilt engine was recently installed in this vehicle by the Mechanical Division of the Public Works Department. A thorough check of the broken down engine revealed the probable cause to be mechanical parts failure (2 connecting rods broke and damaged the oil pan and engine block) , which could have been caused by many contributing factors, some of which are listed. 1 . ) The truck is an emergency vehicle, which is driven to its limits when responding to a call . Time is of the essence when responding to an emergency and the large, spread-out geographical nature of our Municipality greatly contributes to long responses and arrival times. A fire vehicle's use is entirely different than any other department vehicle's operation. Fire trucks are sitting cold in the station one minute and running full throttle the next, without any engine warmup time. This is proven to be extremely hard on any engine. 1 Continued. . . . . . . I FD - 16 - 2 - 2. ) Because of the makeup of manpower of this department, in using part-time personnel , it creates the need to have many drivers who are called upon to operate our vehicles. This is also hard on vehicles, as everyone drives differently. 3. ) In discussion with the vehicle manufacturer, it was thought that this particular engine was undersized for this truck, but it was also stated that the truck is 12 years old and possibly at the time of purchase this was the largest engine available. 4. ) The majority of responses for this vehicle are all uphill runs to rural areas, where the engine is working extra hard. In viewing the parts from the broken engine, there was no sign of oil starvation, which would have indicated that the engine had run out of oil . Service records show that the vehicle had an oil change in the past 350 miles. Fire Department vehicles receive extensive maintenance on a regular, recorded basis. We are not only concerned that our vehicles are in top notch condition to respond to emergencies but that they also meet all safety requirements for our Firefighters, who ride and drive them. It was the opinion of the Mechanical Division of the Public Works Department, that because of the many contributing factors the mechanical parts breakdown could have partially occurred during a previous call and it was just a matter of time before com- plete engine failure occurred. I would compliment Graydon Brown, Firefighter, on the excellent job he does in maintain- ing our fire vehicles and equipment. Also, I thank the Works Department Mechanical Division for their concern in expediting the necessary repairs to get this vehicle back in service as quickly as possible and the professional advice and assistance they offer to this Department. It is reassuring to know that we do not have to go beyond our own Town Staff to have major mechanical repairs performed. Respectfully submitted, J Aldridge, Fire Chief. JA/sr May 16, 1986.