Locomotive Question?

Question

When an injector on a locomotive is clogged, there is sometimes a popping sound, what causes the popping sond

Answer 1

Clogged injectors usually starves the engine for fuel, but I know of no popping sounds associated with it.

But, when cylinder test c***s (flash c***s) are left open or that vibrate open, will produce a popping sound.

They are used primarily in maintenance procedures, such as 'barring' the engine over.  The test c***s don't allow compression to build pressure so that the crank and pistons move more easily.  In addition. if a unit has been left not running for an unknown length of time, the test c***s should be opened prior to cranking the engine, to purge the cylinders of any fluids that may have collected, including diesel fuel or cooling water.

They come in two varieties, one requiring a tool, the other the "steer horn" with handles for turning them open.

The only other popping I can think of is when an automatic condensation release is popping away, or when an unload-er valve is stuck open on the air compressor.

Answer 2

my geuss would be no fuel in the cylinder so no combustion and you get a puff of compressed air and fuel

Answer 3

I am not much of an expert when it comes to locomotive mechanics but I think the below article will shed some light on why the popping noise occurs.