As a senior car enthusiast, you know that the crankshaft is a vital part of any engine. It converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which powers the car. Over time, the crankshaft can become worn or damaged, which can affect the engine's performance. One way to restore a worn or damaged crankshaft is by polishing it. In this article, we'll take a look at how to polish a crankshaft so that you can get your engine running smoothly again.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, you'll need some tools and materials. Here's a list of what you'll need:
Lathe
Crankshaft polishing attachment
Crankshaft jig
Crankshaft polishing belts
Crankshaft micrometer
Calipers
Crankshaft cleaning solvent
Clean rags
Preparing the Crankshaft
The first step in polishing a crankshaft is to prepare it. Start by cleaning the crankshaft with a solvent to remove any oil or debris. Once the crankshaft is clean, use a micrometer to measure its diameter in several places. Record these measurements so that you can refer to them later. Next, mount the crankshaft in a jig so that it's secure and won't move during the polishing process.
Polishing the Crankshaft
Now that the crankshaft is prepared, it's time to start polishing it. Attach the crankshaft polishing attachment to the lathe and select the appropriate polishing belt. Start with a coarse belt and gradually work your way up to a finer belt. The polishing process should take several hours, so be patient and don't rush it. Make sure to keep the crankshaft lubricated during the polishing process to avoid overheating.
Checking the Diameter
After you've finished polishing the crankshaft, it's important to check its diameter again. Use a micrometer to measure the diameter in several places and compare these measurements to the ones you took before polishing. Ideally, the diameter should be the same or slightly smaller than before polishing. If the diameter is too small, you'll need to start the polishing process again with a slightly coarser belt.
Checking for Straightness
In addition to checking the diameter, it's important to check the straightness of the crankshaft. Use calipers to measure the distance between the crankshaft and a fixed point on the jig. Rotate the crankshaft and take measurements at several points around its circumference. If the measurements are consistent, the crankshaft is straight. If they vary significantly, the crankshaft may be bent and will need to be replaced.
Cleaning the Crankshaft
Once you've finished polishing and checking the crankshaft, it's time to clean it again. Use a clean rag and some solvent to remove any polishing residue. Make sure to clean the crankshaft thoroughly so that there's no residue left behind.
Conclusion
Polishing a crankshaft is a complex process that requires some specialized tools and a lot of patience. However, if you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can restore a worn or damaged crankshaft and get your engine running smoothly again. Remember to take your time and be careful during the polishing process, and always check the diameter and straightness of the crankshaft before installing it.