Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 766 Rookie Shows His Skills, Solving Difficult Problems and Expressing High Hopes

workshop.

That old Russian lathe stood quietly.

Several mechanics and technicians had already gathered around, and they were all somewhat surprised to see Engineer Ling bringing over a young, new face.

But I didn't pay much attention to it; the most urgent thing was to solve the problem.

"Engineer Ling, you've finally arrived! We went over the drawings again, but we still feel a bit lost." Team Leader Sun greeted him, his brow furrowed.

"The abnormal noise from the bearing housing in the critical part is getting louder and louder, and the speed cannot be increased."

“We disassembled it for a preliminary inspection and found that the meshing of the transmission system and the spindle box felt wrong. However, with the half-translated and incorrect drawings, we dared not easily disassemble the core parts.”

"I'm afraid that if I take it apart, I won't be able to put it back together, or if I put it in the wrong place, the problem will be even bigger."

Engineer Ling nodded, his expression grave.

This is precisely the most challenging aspect.

He turned to Li Kailang: "Xiao Li, you've also looked at the blueprints, what are your thoughts?"

His question instantly drew everyone's attention to Li Kailang.

The people in the workshop didn't recognize Li Kailang; they just thought the young man looked too unfamiliar, and their eyes were full of doubt and a hint of distrust.

Li Kailang was not intimidated. He stepped forward and, instead of immediately answering Engineer Ling, carefully observed the machine tool.

The machine tool's maintenance panel immediately appeared before my eyes, pointing directly to the problem.

The axial positioning of the three-stage transmission gear set in the spindle box is abnormal, resulting in abnormal noise, vibration, and insufficient speed.

1. Replace the entire original driveshaft assembly.

2. Use custom-made replacement parts for localized repairs.

3. Correct drawing errors and calibrate accuracy, retaining original core components.

Immediately, Li Kailang understood what was going on. He then put on a show, even bending down and listening intently to the unusual noises making during operation.

"Mr. Ling, Mr. Sun, based on the markings on the drawings and actual observation of the abnormal noise location, the problem is very likely in the axial positioning and fit accuracy of the three-stage gear set of the main drive shaft."

He pointed to a passage of text on the drawing with his finger.

"The original Russian annotation on the drawing states 'minimum clearance standard,' but this Chinese translation states 'maximum clearance standard,' which is completely reversed."

He paused, then drew a simple diagram in his notebook:
"If the gear set is assembled according to a wrong understanding of 'maximum clearance,' the excessive axial movement will cause unstable tooth meshing when the gear set is running at high speed."

Li Kailang's analysis was clear and logical, and he accurately pointed out the fatal source of error: the translation of the drawings.

It was evident that Li Kailang not only understood the technical principles but could also spot errors in the translation of the blueprints.

Master Sun and several veteran workers were stunned, and their gazes toward Li Kailang changed instantly.

A look of surprise flashed in Ling's eyes: "Not bad, not bad at all. You were able to spot the problem at a glance. Xiao Li, do you understand Russian?"

This time, Li Kailang didn't mince words and shook his head directly: "Not very good, it's all translated from a dictionary."

Upon hearing this, Engineer Ling couldn't help but sigh in disappointment, "If only you could understand Russian."

However, after thinking about it again, Li Kailang is ultimately a person and doesn't have that much energy. He is already quite good at both understanding the technology and being able to put it into practice.

It's impossible to be perfect in every aspect.

"Alright, you should study Russian more often when you have time. It's a pretty important foreign language."

"Yes." Li Kailang nodded.

Getting back to the main point, Engineer Ling looked at Master Sun.

"Master Sun, let's follow Xiao Li's directions! Now that we've identified the core problem, the solution is clear!"

"Readjust the preload of the axial positioning bearing and assemble it strictly according to the minimum clearance standard in the original Russian document!"

"Ok."

The subsequent repair work progressed quickly and smoothly under Li Kailang's precise technical guidance and Ling Gong's rich experience.

Li Kailang not only has a solid theoretical foundation, but his hands-on skills also earned him the admiration of the experienced workers in the workshop.

His movements in using specialized tools to measure gaps and adjust shims were skillful and experienced, demonstrating an extremely keen grasp of precision. There was no indication that he was a novice who had just joined the technical department.

The group was impressed by the young man, Li Kailang, and secretly noted his name down.

With such ability right from the start, the probability of him becoming an engineer is extremely high.

When the machine tool was powered back on, ran smoothly, the abnormal noise disappeared, and the speed easily reached the target, the group of people burst into a relaxed cheer.

Master Sun excitedly grasped Engineer Ling's hand and then patted Li Kailang's shoulder forcefully:

"Engineer Ling, you've really found a gem for our technical department, for our factory! Technician Li, you're amazing! Absolutely amazing!"

"Not at all," Engineer Ling waved his hand.

Once the job is done, I'll call it a day and leave.

I'll stop by other workshops to check on the machines.

The news that Li Kailang and Engineer Ling had repaired the machine tool spread like wildfire back to the technical department.

When Engineer Ling, beaming with pride, returned to the office with Li Kailang, the department fell silent for a moment.

The expressions on the faces of Chen Zhiyuan, Liu Jianming, and Wu Wei were priceless.

Chen Zhiyuan's face changed from astonishment to a purplish-red, and then quickly faded to pale.

He felt as if he had been slapped hard across the face several times by invisible hands, and his face burned with pain.

What does "a blind cat stumbles upon a dead mouse" mean? What does "taking a chance" mean? What does "starting high means you won't go far" mean?
His own harsh speculations and contemptuous words now felt like resounding slaps, each one landing squarely on his face.

Liu Jianming subconsciously pushed up his glasses, his eyes behind the lenses revealing a complex and indescribable expression.

A night school student who not only has strong practical skills but can also find translation errors? What does that even mean?
His pride in his systematic training and academic background seemed so laughable and pale in the face of this undeniable fact.

He felt his years of accumulated knowledge shattered in an instant, leaving his mind in a complete mess.

Wu Wei was completely stunned, his mouth slightly open and his eyes blank.

He had previously analyzed the "deep waters of the technical department" with great seriousness, concluding that Li Kailang was "in danger."

The results of it?
Not only did they go into the water, but they also swam a beautiful butterfly stroke in the deep end!
He subconsciously glanced at Liu Jianming and Chen Zhiyuan beside him and found that their complexions were no better than his own.

The other technicians in the department, who had initially been watching with amusement, now had completely changed their expressions.

The doubts and slight disdain from the morning vanished, replaced by undisguised surprise and admiration.

It's not unusual to be able to go out and solve problems with Engineer Ling, but to be able to solve a major problem that even Engineer Ling found difficult and that involved foreign language drawings in such a short time and so critically is truly remarkable.

This is not just a matter of luck!

This newcomer, Li Kailang, truly has the "diamond drill"!
Chen Zhiyuan and the others looked at each other, and for the first time, they began to doubt their previous judgment.

Perhaps, this "sly kid" really deserves to have their ridiculous sense of superiority set aside and be properly re-evaluated?

But it's not that simple.

"Alright, that's settled! Everyone should learn from Xiao Li! Study technology diligently and be meticulous!" "Especially when dealing with foreign language materials, we must pay extra attention!"

With a wave of his hand, Engineer Ling delivered his concluding remarks, looking at Li Kailang as if he were a rare treasure.

"Xiao Li, get some rest and organize your thoughts. Tomorrow, we have an even more important task for you! Come with me to tackle this tough challenge!" Suddenly, a dissenting voice rang out.

"That's enough. You're only using one person. The other technicians in the department need to improve as well. You should mentor them too."

“Director Wang.” Engineer Ling turned and saw Director Wang. He understood the implication in his words but didn’t care: “Look at what you’re saying. Little Li is so capable, we should make better use of him.”

Director Wang said, "Xiao Li has only been here for a few days. He hasn't even gotten familiar with the department's documents and materials yet. How can you expect him to be used like this?"

"He's repaired two machines today. He needs to get some rest, otherwise what if he breaks down? There's still a long road ahead."

Having heard this, Engineer Ling understood and could only helplessly accept the fact: "Alright, Xiao Li, you should rest well for two days and familiarize yourself with the documents first."

Looking up at the other technicians, he said, "You all need to step up your efforts and work hard. You've been here for a few years now and are pretty familiar with things. It's time for you to put your skills to use."

"You always have to rely on your superiors to guide you. When will you be able to stand on your own? How can you be engineers then?"

After being criticized by Engineer Ling, the technicians were completely speechless.

On the contrary, Engineer Liu, who was in the corner, felt a little uncomfortable. Wasn't this a direct attack on him?
"Alright, everyone get back to work." With a wave of his hand, Engineer Ling hummed an off-key tune and went back to his office, feeling quite smug.

Director Wang then left.

The technicians were left looking at each other, each with their own thoughts.

Everyone couldn't help but look at Li Kailang; compared to him, they seemed quite incompetent.

But they're not bad either; it just depends on who you compare them to.

Li Kailang didn't think too much about it. He returned to his workstation and continued looking at the documents, as well as that dictionary, which he also needed to review.

"I really can't understand Russian," Li Kailang sighed inwardly.

Seeing his calm demeanor, everyone began to truly acknowledge the significance of this "newcomer" for the first time, especially the qualified technicians.

"Alas, new talents emerge in every generation."

People who haven't been promoted to engineer by middle age have become disheartened, but now they see a newcomer showing promise.

A mix of emotions welled up inside me.

Everyone went about their own business, because of Li Kailang's incident, everyone was holding their breath.

"If he can do it, I might be able to too!"

Only then did Xiao Zhao dare to come closer, his eyes wide open, his voice extremely low and filled with admiration:
"Brother Li! My God! You really fixed that huge Russian machine? And you even found a mistake in the blueprints? That's amazing! Engineer Ling was so excited! Let me tell you, those three just now..."

He subtly gestured with his chin in the direction of Chen Zhiyuan and the others, "Their faces look like they've been dyed, tsk tsk."

Li Kailang looked at Xiao Zhao and said, "It wasn't just me who did it. It was thanks to Engineer Ling's rich experience and Master Sun's strong hands-on skills that I was able to understand that Russian text."

Xiao Zhao only listened to these words, but repairing two machines in a row was not something that could be solved by luck.

Without sufficient strength to support it, how could that be possible?
"It's best not to talk about our seniors."

Xiao Zhao blushed and nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes, Brother Li is right! I... I admire you so much!"

After saying that, he quickly retreated to his seat.

Li Kailang's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached Chen Zhiyuan and the others' ears.

Those phrases like "good luck," "just happened to understand," and "don't talk about your seniors" were like fine needles, making them uneasy.

This isn't humility at all; it clearly highlights their narrow-mindedness and impatience.

The more casually Li Kailang described it, the more ridiculous and pathetic their previous discussions seemed.

Chen Zhiyuan gripped the pencil tightly in his hand, and the lead snapped with a "snap".

He felt a tightness in his chest, a feeling that he couldn't get out of.

He was unwilling to admit he was wrong, but he could no longer convince himself to look down on Li Kailang.

The huge psychological gap made him extremely agitated. He walked out of the office quickly without saying a word, probably to the restroom to smoke and calm down.

Liu Jianming watched Chen Zhiyuan's retreating figure, then glanced at Li Kailang, who was still engrossed in the Russian dictionary, and sighed silently.

For the first time, he truly began to examine this colleague who had "come to the profession later in life."

That composure under pressure, that dedication to solving professional problems
Honestly, how much of what Liu Jianming can actually achieve?

Wu Wei, on the other hand, was getting restless.

He stole a few glances at Li Kailang, feeling as if his heart was being scratched by a cat.

He was naturally very curious, and now he was filled with a desire to explore Li Kailang.

How could a driver, a deputy section chief, and a night school student all do such a technical job so well?
The atmosphere in the technical department became subtle and sticky.

Not long after, Director Wang and his team brought a pile of documents to Li Kailang.

"Xiao Li, these are all the data for all the machines in the factory. You need to review them over the next few days. This is your task for this week."

Li Kailang stared in disbelief at the thick stack of documents in front of him. This was the real test, wasn't it?
"so much?"

"Is it a lot? It's a bit little. They used to see a lot more. Now, either many of the machines are broken, or they're using other machines. This is considered a little less."

Director Wang smiled and patted Li Kailang on the shoulder.

"Alright, take your time looking at it. Put the documents down."

The blueprints were laid out heavily on Li Kailang's desk, stirring up fine dust.

The drawings were covered with intricate mechanical structural lines and long passages of Russian annotations, and in many places there were also blue, obviously added later, and somewhat hastily written Chinese annotations.

The entire drawing exudes a heavy sense of age and an indescribable sense of difficulty.

Li Kailang looked at the title block of the first drawing, where it was written in cursive Russian and Chinese:

Универсальныйпродольно-строгальныйстанокмодели 7Б66 (7Б66 type gantry planer).

Li Kailang felt like he was dying.

Seeing Li Kailang staring at the blueprint, Director Wang introduced, "This old Russian gantry planer is even older than the lathe you just repaired!"

"The 'meritorious equipment' introduced in the early days of the People's Republic of China has processed countless large items! But in recent years, more and more problems have arisen."

After Director Wang finished his brief introduction, he looked at Li Kailang expectantly.

"Xiao Li, you showed off your skills today, proving that you're not only capable with your hands and eyes, but also have a sharp mind!"

"These Russian blueprints, along with the experienced annotations from these senior engineers, are perfect for you! So, are you confident that you can work with Engineer Ling to completely subdue this 'old relic'?"

The difficulty and importance of this task clearly far exceed that of lathe repair.

Even among engineers, there is a division of labor.

Director Wang is mainly responsible for developing blueprints, while Engineer Ling is mainly responsible for maintenance.

After all, these are large machines. A fitter can solve some problems, but not all of them, due to differences in skills and division of labor.

I'll give it my best.

"Okay, I'm relieved to hear your answer. You can go ahead with your work."

After saying that, Director Wang left, and Li Kailang bent down, his fingers gently gliding over the blueprints.

(End of this chapter)