CHICAGO – General Electric locomotives constructed in 2012 with the new Tier 3 locomotive emissions have been suffering major engine fires recently. The locomotives differ from Tier 2 engines in many ways including higher pressure fuel lines, which are reportedly operated at 20,000psi. These lines have been prone to break, spraying the prime mover with fuel which subsequently catches fire. General Electric is working with all customers who received Tier 3 locomotives in 2012 to correct the situation.
Railroads have taken differing approaches to the usage of the engines in the interim until repairs can be made. BNSF Railway continues to use the locomotives on trains, but has restricted affected engines from leading trains. Union Pacific has taken a more conservative approach and temporarily stored their affected Tier 3 locomotive until modifications can be made. Repairs are performed at various Class I locomotive shops and temporary facilities setup by GE to expedite the repairs, such as the temporary tent at Union Pacific’s Global 4 intermodal facility near Joliet, Ill., to work on affected UP locomotives.
