CHAPTER IV, SECTION 2 volts at Fred. At Ursula, 4160 volts and atall other sites 2400 volt circuits were used; these voltages were stepped down to the operating voltages of 208/117 by conveniently located transformers. A serious failure in distribution occurred in the Fred-Elmer submarine line, necessitating the temporary operation of the Fred plant to provide all the needs of that site. In order to accomplish this, the power load was reduced by securing distillation units and cutting out unessential circuits. Though the cause of the break in the submarine cable was not definitely determined, the type of failure indicated that the cable might have been dragged and cut by a boat anchor. At the break, the cable was approximately 65 feet out from the position in which it was originally laid. It was successfully repaired. Unsatisfactory operation of the General Motors engines in the CMR power plant de- veloped late in 1952. Investigation disclosed that the chrome plating of the cylinder liners had deteriorated, that piston rings were stuck, and that main bearings were flaked. The cause of these conditions was determined to be the use of Navy oil symbol 9370 for lubrication, which had been recommended by the vendor of the engines. Through chemical analysis, it was found that the oil was not properly com- pounded to neutralize the corrosive effects of Figure 4-23. Page 4-30 the high sulphur content of the Navy diesel oil furnished. All cylinder liners were replaced and RPM supercharged No. 1 SAE 40 was substituted for the Navy oil. The engines have been operated since this change was effected as follows: No. 1 - 4475 hours; No. 2 - 2818 hours and No. 3 - 4950 hours. Examination has indicated an entirely satisfactory condition with an expected increase in the operating life of the liners, pistons, rings and bearings. The shift of all camp operations after the Bravo event from bases ashore to vessels in the lagoon at Bikini interjected problems of generator operation not encountered in former test operations. Due to the presence of radioactive contamination at some of the sites where work had to be done, personnel could be used in those areas for only a limited time. It was necessary to resort to considerable shifting of personnel in order to preclude over exposure. The generating units had to be operated unattended except for short visits by the daily refueling and servicing groups. Units were re- quired to operate continuously over extended periods with exceptionally light loads. Trouble was experienced in gasoline engine ignition systems, particularly in fouling of spark plugs, excessive engine wear, and in diese] engines in fuel injectors. In several cases it was necessary to replace generators instead of repairing them on the site. Two complete units were replaced at Dog-500 just prior to the need for this Station for the scientific test operations. Water Distillation Units - Site Charlie