Abstract

Overheating is a result of some problems in the automobile engine, like improper operation or daily maintenance, local climate, machine or parts specifications inadequate to perform the specified job. These can eventually cause thermal overload, combustion of the lubricating oil on piston sliding surface, uncontrolled combustion, eventual seizure of the engine moving parts or total damage of the engine. This study identified the causes of overheating in bulldozer engine and proffered solutions to the identified causes of overheating. A software program (expert system) was developed as a tool to carry out the technical diagnosing of the causes of the overheating. A flowchart (logic chart) was also developed for troubleshooting the causes of overheating in bulldozer engine. The causes of all the failures were analyzed and their respective proffered solutions to the problems are shown and displayed. The program developed deals with the various overheating problems and obviously shows the necessity for speedy stress free and cost effective means of machine repairs. C# (pronounced see sharp) was used as the programming language due to its versatility, efficiency as well as its user friendly interface. The importance of maintenance in manufacturing, mining and construction industries cannot be overemphasized as it goes a long way in determining productivity, efficiency and capacity of the available equipment. The probability tree diagram made the diagnosis to be fast and solutions were proffered on time. This study will enable automobile and maintenance workshops to proffer solutions to overheating problem and at the same time avoid costly damage to automotive engine and economic loss.

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