What are the functions of the engine crankshaft in the car? The crankshaft is an important part of the internal combustion engine and needs special attention to work smoothly without any major mechanical malfunctions. It is located inside the crankcase of the engine and helps to convert the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion. By doing so, it helps to generate the mechanical energy required to move a vehicle. The crankshaft is usually made from metal. A crankshaft consists of main bearing journals, balance holes, rod bearing journals, oil passageways, counterweights, flywheel flange, and pulley end. The crankshaft is an important part of the engine that needs special attention and regular maintenance to last long without any major mechanical malfunctions in it. Any kind of malfunctions in the crankshaft might cause irreparable damages to the engine which might cost a lot to a person. So, symptoms that show that the crankshaft has issues should never be neglected. It should be identified and repaired immediately to prevent any major mechanical failure.
Working principle of the crankshaft: To understand the working principle of the crankshaft, we have to understand the functions of the individual components of the crankshaft. A journal is a component that rotates inside the bearing. There are two different types of journals based on the axis of rotation: main bearing journals and rod bearing journals. Let us discuss some of the major components of the crankshaft:
Main journals: It is the central component of the crankshaft around which the engine rotates. It supports the entire function of the crankshaft. The main journal needs an adequate amount of lubricant to run smoothly. Besides, an adequate amount of lubrication prevents the contacts between the journal and bearing.
Rod journals: Rod journals also known as crankpins are connected with the ends of the connecting rods of the piston. Pressurized oil flows through the oil passage drilled through the main journal. Lubrication is essential to reduce friction among different components of the crankshaft.
Counterweights: Main journals and rod journals are subjected to an extreme amount of force generated in the internal combustion chamber. Counterweights used in the crankshaft helps to optimize the distribution of such extreme force on different components of the crankshaft. The main role of the crankshaft is to balance the force.
Oil holes: Different components of the crankshafts are subjected to an extreme amount of pressure. Lack of an adequate amount of lubrication might damage the important components of the crankshaft. Oil holes drilled in different components of the crankshaft ensures the continuous circulation of the lubricant throughout the crankshaft.
Symptoms of a bad crankshaft:
The crankshaft is one of the most important components of the engine which needs special attention to last long. Any symptoms which indicate that the crankshaft has some sort of mechanical errors should not be ignored. The reasons for the appearance of such warning signs should be identified and repaired immediately.
Crankshaft position sensor: An engine might not run if the crankshaft position sensor couldn't provide accurate data to the computer. The engine control unit uses the data provided by the crankshaft positioning system to run the engine. So, any warning signs indicate that the crankcase has some mechanical errors that should not be ignored. Feeds provided by the crankcase position sensor should be taken into consideration to evaluate the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft.
Illumination of the check engine light: Errors in the crankshaft might trigger the appearance of the check engine light. So, the reason behind the appearance of such an important warning sign should not be overlooked. Minor errors in the crankshaft should be repaired in time.
Crankshaft maintenance: The crankshaft is one of the most reliable components in the car and doesn't need regular maintenance. But, any signs which show that the crankshaft has malfunctions should not be ignored. The reasons for the appearance of such warning signs should be identified and repaired immediately. Lack of an adequate amount of lubrication might have a negative influence on the performance of the crankshaft. So, the quality and quantity of the engine oil should be inspected regularly. Besides, the condition of the oil pump should also be subjected to inspection.
The bottom line: The crankshaft is an important part of the engine which needs special attention to run smoothly without any major mechanical malfunctions. Driving a vehicle with a faulty crankshaft might cause irreparable damage to the engine. Thus, symptoms that indicate that the crankshaft has issues should not be ignored. Such problems should be repaired in time to keep the engine in working order.