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| Illustration 1 | g00762940 |
Typical example (1) Crankshaft (2) Thrust plate (3) Main bearing (4) Crankshaft gear (5) Crankshaft seal and wear sleeve | |
Power from combustion in the cylinders is transferred to crankshaft (1) through the pistons' connecting rods. Reciprocating motion of the pistons is transformed into rotating torque by the crankshaft in order to power the driven equipment.
Two thrust plates (2) on the sides of center main bearing (3) control the end play of the crankshaft. The engines have seven main bearings. Pressurized engine oil is supplied to all of the main bearings through drilled passages in the webs of the cylinder block. The engine oil then flows through drilled passages in the crankshaft in order to provide lubrication to the connecting rod bearings.
Hydrodynamic seals and wear sleeves (5) are used at both ends of the crankshaft. Engine oil is sealed by the lip seals and the wear sleeves help prevent wear on the crankshaft. The seals and wear sleeves are units that provide easy replacement and reduction of maintenance cost.
Crankshaft gear (4) at the front of the crankshaft drives the timing gears and the oil pump.
A vibration damper is used at the front of the crankshaft in order to reduce torsional vibrations (twist) that can cause damage to the engine.