SERVICE BULLETIN

NOTICE: The Type of Change and Recommended Compliance specified reflects Solar's best judgment regarding the
Service Bulletin. All questions should be directed to your Solar Field Service Representative. Solar, Saturn, Centaur,
Taurus, Mercury, Mars, Titan, SoLoNOx, and Turbotronic are trademarks of Solar Turbines Incorporated. Cat and
Caterpillar are trademarks of Caterpillar Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice.

NUMBER: 8.6/124
ISSUED: May 2024
REVISED:
PRODUCT: Centaur 40, Centaur 50, Taurus 60, Mars 90, Mars 100
MODEL(S): All
Specifics: Units with Meggitt Gen 6 VGV Actuators
SUBJECT: VGV ACTUATOR LOOSE ROD END AND/OR JAM NUT

Type of Change: Product Reliability

Recommended Earliest Convenience
Compliance:

PURPOSE:
To provide information on potential issues related to loosened spherical rod ends and jam nuts on
Meggitt Gen 6 Variable Guide Vane (VGV) actuators and provide guidance for resolution.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Since the first quarter of 2021, a few field reports have highlighted instances of loose spherical
rod ends and/or jam nuts on Meggitt Gen 6 VGV actuators deployed in Mars, Centaur 50, and
Taurus 60 engines. Several incidents involved the complete unscrewing of the rod end from the
actuator itself.

Unlike earlier iterations, Meggitt Gen 6 actuators do not have an integrated anti-rotating
mechanism. The extension rod of actuator may experience minor rotational forces during normal
operation. It is imperative to address these characteristics by proactively selecting external
connection hardware, designing appropriate mounting brackets and linkages, and adhering to the
installation procedures.

The spherical rod end PN 908216C1 (ref 122) and jam nut PN 23460R1 (ref 167) installed on the
extension rod of the actuator are shown below in Figure 1 and are common across Centaur 40,
Centaur 50, Taurus 60, and Mars engines. These parts facilitate the mechanical connection of the
actuator shaft to the VGV system.

An investigation into the reported loose rod ends and jam nuts revealed that nickel-based anti-seize
lubrication was incorrectly applied to the rod end threads during installation. The combination of
environmental vibration and thermal cycling during engine operation contributed to the observed
loosening.

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Solar’s process instructions have been updated to mandate the use of thread lock compound while
prohibiting the application of anti-seize lubrication. This corrective measure has been in effect in
Solar production since the first quarter of 2021 for Mars and since first quarter of 2024 for Centaur
40, Centaur 50, and Taurus 60.

Other product lines with different Variable Guide Vane actuator mechanical linkage designs
remain unaffected.

Figure 1 VGV actuator Connection for C40/C50/T60/Mars

Safe work practices must be in place before starting work. They

must include the identification of all hazards and associated
controls to mitigate any risk. All work practices must comply with
local regulations and employer risk mitigation requirements. At a
minimum, all sources of energy shall be controlled in accordance
with standard hazardous energy control (Lock Out / Tag Out)
practices.

Equipment and systems must complete normal shutdown cycles,

coast down to a complete stop, and complete post-lubrication
cycles before commencing work.

ACTION REQUIRED:

1. Conduct a thorough inspection of Meggitt Gen 6 VGV actuators for any signs of the rod
end and jam nut looseness or presence of anti-seize lubrication. Guide Vane cover panel
removal is required for the Centaur 40, Centaur 50, and Taurus 60 engine inspection (Refer
to Figure 1). No further action is required if no signs of looseness or presence of anti-seize
lubrication are found.

2. If any issues are detected, perform the following steps to correct:

a. Spare hardware in table 1 are recommended.

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 Table 1. Spare parts recommended (QTY for one engine)

b. Disconnect the actuator extension rod from the guide vane lever arms (refer to
Figure 2 & 3) of VGV assembly only. Reserve the hardware removed.

There is no anti-rotation mechanism within the Meggitt Gen

6th actuator. Avoid rotating the extension rod under any
circumstance. Instead, always utilize the wrench flats located at
the end of the extension rod to prevent rotation. Do not grasp
the outer diameter of the extension rod with a hand tool for any
purpose, as this can damage the rod. If rotation occurs, it can
result in inaccurate positioning until next homing reset initiated
by package logic during a shutdown sequence. This could
change the Guide Vane angle and require recalibration.
Excessive rotation may also cause the stroke to deviate from
the defined homing position, potentially causing malfunctions
such as control 'chattering' due to an inability to fully extend or
retract after rotation.

Avoid lubricating the extension rod. Always remove oily or

greasy substances, as they can attract abrasive dust and
debris. Periodic mild cleaning or wiping is recommended to
eliminate any oil or dust buildup. Ensure that any cleaning
solvents if used are thoroughly removed to prevent the
accumulation of dust and debris.

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 Figure 2. Mars VGV Actuator Rod End connection

Figure 3. C40/C50/T60 VGV Actuator Rod End connection

c. Remove the rod end and jam nut from actuator extension rod. Clean the threads of
rod and jam nut. If any worn or undesirable condition observed, replace with spare
parts. Clean the threads of the hole on the end of the actuator extension rod.

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 d. Apply Loctite 271 (P/N 915338C1) or Loctite 242 (P/N 917419C1) threadlocker to
the rod end threads before threading on the jam nut.

NOTE

Loctite 271 or Loctite 242 sets in 10 minutes and fully

cures in 24 hours. It reaches required breakaway
torque within 60~90 minutes.

Ensure to have the Safety Data Sheet is readily

available and suitable Personal Protective Equipment
is used during application of the threadlocker.

e. Thread rod end until it bottoms out in the actuator extension rod, then back off 3 turns.
f. Align the rod end and attach it to VGV assembly. Secure the extension rod of actuator
by reinstalling the hardware reserved from step b, if any worn or undesirable
condition observed, replace with spare parts. Ensure correct stacking during
installation.
g. Torque down the jam nut snug tight.
h. Torque lever arms connection bolt to 23 ft-lbs for Mars, or shoulder screw to 13 ft-
lbs for C40/C50/T60.
i. Perform VGV calibration by following the instructions in the Maintenance &
Operation manual after threadlocker has cured within approximately 90 minutes (at
72 F or 22 C). Contact your local Solar District Office for assistance if needed.

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