What is a crankshaft and what is it for?

What is a crankshaft and what is it for?

An engine is made up of different parts: pistons, valves, cylinders, bearings, oil filters... Each of these parts has a key function for the proper functioning of the engine and the machine, but today we will focus on one of the most important elements. important parts of an engine: the crankshaft.

Next, we will tell you everything you need to know about crankshafts , starting with what a crankshaft is and what it is for.

What is a crankshaft and what is it for?

A crankshaft is a rotating shaft used in machines to convert the reciprocating motion of a piston into rotary motion. It is one of the fundamental pieces in internal combustion engines since, without this element, the movement of the vehicle or machine could not be generated.

Located inside the body of the engine, the crankshaft receives the linear movement of the pistons through the connecting rod and transforms it into a circular movement.

parts of a crankshaft

crankshaft-part

The shaft is the most important part of the crankshaft. It is a bar that serves as a support and performs the rotary movement. In addition to the shaft, the crankshaft is made up of different parts:

  • Crankpin: hold the heads of the connecting rod.

  • Arm: component that joins the axis and the crankpin.

  • Counterweights and flywheels: help reduce irregularities caused by the movement of the axis.

  • Supports: that support the crankshaft to the engine.

How does a crankshaft work?

As we have anticipated, the crankshaft converts the linear movement of the pistons into rotary movement. The movement carried out by the pistons, produced by the explosions that occur in the combustion chambers, is transmitted to the connecting rods and these make the crankshaft rotate.

It is a true chain of rotating components that allow the machine to move and where the crankshaft performs an essential function.

How to know if a crankshaft is failing?

Crankshafts are made of very resistant materials since they must be prepared to withstand great effort. For this reason, it is not usual for a crankshaft to break down, although these faults can occur:

Wear. In the long run, a crankshaft may eventually wear out from prolonged use. One way to ensure this does not happen is to keep all parts of the crankshaft well lubricated.

Rip. It does not usually happen, but it may be the case that the crankshaft breaks.

It can also happen that the crankshaft ends up failing as a result of the malfunction of other elements of the engine.

If you have to replace the crankshaft, remember that it is important that you choose only official spare parts. Crankshafts are parts that must be aligned and balanced in order to work at peak performance, so if there is even the slightest disturbance, you can risk the crankshaft not fitting properly in your engine and ending up breaking.

At Comercial Méndez we are official distributors of spare parts and accessories for brands such as Kohler, Lombardini, Yanmar, Ruggerini, Minsel and Hatz engines. Get in touch with us and we will advise you on the best spare parts for your engine.