Crankshaft engine problem Brisbane - PICKED UP / SEIZED / FLOGGED
When crankshaft and bearings seize it is the end result of major damage caused by a breakdown in
lubrication or assembly bearing clearances being under minimum specifications.
The clearance is referred to as "vertical oil clearance". As the lubrication breaks down and allows metal
to metal contact between the shaft and the soft bearing material, heat created by friction melts and
welds bearing material on to the shaft. In a very short period the bearing and shaft can be destroyed.
This same scenario takes place during a dry start after re-assembly.
Engines have to be primed to obtain oil pressure before the initial start after a rebuild. This involves
cranking the engine until oil pressure is obtained. Removal of spark plugs in a petrol or removal of
injectors or glow plugs in a diesel allow oil pressure to be obtained at starter cranking speed.
The results of a dry start may not always destroy the bearings immediately but even minor bearing
contact with the shaft will damage the bearing enough to result in premature failure. (Note well, if an
engine will not turn freely by hand or under normal starter motor action the engine should be
dismantled until the source of incorrect clearances is identified and repaired. Common causes are
incorrectly fitted wick rear mains, misaligned con rods, dirty assembly, overlapped oil rings, insufficient
ring end or back clearance etc, etc.)
If crankshaft-bearing seizure occurs many thousands of miles after initial engine assembly the failure is
usually related to a breakdown in lubrication. (ENGINE DRIVEN WITH LOW OIL LEVEL OR NO OIL
PRESSURE)
Pre maturely worn out crankshaft and bearings can be the result of dirty or diluted engine oil. When
unsure and a cause must be established take a sample of the used oil from the engine in a clean glass
container and have it analysed. The result of the oil analysis will give definite answers to the cause of
the failure.
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: Every care has been taken in writing this information and procedures, but no responsibility can be
excepted for errors, omissions or misuse of this information and procedures. The information available
on this site is for your instruction only and cannot be copied for sale, © copyright 2001 UMR Engines
Seized big end
Flogged big end journal
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