Part 21 Report - 1998-700

LICENSEE: COLTEC INDUSTRIES

---

SITE:	COLTEC INDUSTRIES	EN NUMBER:	35030
DOCKET:		EVENT DATE:	11-13-98
RX TYPE:		EVENT TIME:	14:45
VENDORS:		NOTIFY DATE:	11-13-98
EMERGENCY CLASS: N/A	REGION: 3	STATE: WI	TIME: 15:45
OPS OFFICER:	JOHN MacKINNON
10 CFR SECTION:	CCCC UNSPECIFIED PARAGRAPH

Coltec Industries, Fairbanks Engine Division (FMED) became aware of a potential safety hazard associated with the wrist pin assemblies of FM-Alco 251 engines. Only affects Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.

10 CFR PART 21 REPORT

On November 11, 1998, Coltec Industries, Fairbanks Engine Division (FMED), became aware of a potential safety hazard associated with the wrist pin assemblies for FM-Alco 251 engines.

The wrist pin assembly consists of a wrist pin and a sleeve fitted in the bore of the wrist pin and held in place by rolling each end which causes a tight friction fit. The sleeves of the subject wrist pin assemblies were supplied with an incorrect material, which is not suitable for rolling - expansion. Therefore, the friction fit between the pin and the sleeve may

not be sufficient, which could cause the sleeve to become loose and possibly contact the liner.

Corrective actions have been taken to prevent recurrence, which includes no longer using the supplier of the defective wrist pin, and retraining the Receipt Inspectors and the Quality Assurance Supervisor to perform proper inspections and reviews of certifications.

Consumers Power - Palisades is the only utility, which received a total of 36 wrist pin assemblies between 1995 and 1996. It should be noted that no failures have occurred to date and the problems with the wrist pin assemblies occurred in commercial applications after many thousands of hours of cyclic operation.

FM-Alco 251 engines in nuclear applications are not typically subjected to this type of operation. However, it is recommended that the subject pins be replaced with pin assemblies made with the correct sleeve material.