A Simple Guide to Crankshafts

Hizbullah Shoukat January 19, 2021 No Comments

The  crankshaft is a moving part of the internal combustion engine (ICE). It’s main function is to transform the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft through the connecting rods. The crankshaft is mounted within the engine block.     Image: Engine Crank Mechanism (source: Rheinmetall)   Pistons Connecting rods Flywheel Crankshaft The pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft together form the crank mechanism.   The secondary function of the crankshaft is to transmit power to other engine systems:   valve timing oil pump cooling (water) pump air conditioning compressor alternator, etc.   Image: ICE Crankshaft with Forged Counterweights   The crankshaft is fitted into the engine block through it’s main journals. The connecting rods are fixed on the conrod journals of the crankshaft. On opposite sides of the conrod journals the crankshaft has counterweights which compensates outer moments, minimises internal moments and thus reduces vibration amplitudes and bearing […]