Grinding the Crankshaft While in the Engine
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Portable Equipment Which Brings a Specialized Operation within the Range of the Smallest Maintenance Shop
ONE of the few jobs which the other
• wise well-equipped garage or repair depot usually " puts Out" is that of crankshaft grinding. This may be for the reason that the cost of the necessary equipment WoRld not be justified, or that crankshaft grinding is considered to be an operation best left to concerns specializing in such work.
Now that E. P. Barrus, Ltd.,' Brunel Road, Acton, London, W,3, has added a portable crankshaft grinder to its range of repair equipment, it may he that this important operation in engine reconditioning will be performed with the same routine facility as cylinder boring or the boring of main bearings.
This piece of apparatus, which is known as the Intheblok crankshaft grinder, is intended for use on crankshafts while they are still held by their bearings, in the engine) although, if more convenient, it can be used in the form of -a lathe attachment.
By the use of a. small grinding wheel, so mounted in the tool that its degree of cat can be controlled within extremely fine limits, it is possible to work to a high degree of accuracy. The power unit is a 1,110 h.p. universal-type motor, which runs at approximately 15,000 rpm.
When working on a crankshaft held in the engine, a means for revolving the shaft at about 12 r,p.m. is provided in an additional accessory, which drives one of the rear wheels of -the vehicle' through the agency of a h.p. motor having a cradle and roller assembly. The crankshaft can, of course, be turned by hand during the grinding, but the same uniformity in movement is not 50 likely to be obtained.
The lathe attachment consists of a heavy, cast, U-shaped frame withrightangle base for bolting down to the
lathe. The U-shaped casting carries, at its uppeeend, a ross-shaft which is
free to float laterally, Mounted on this shaft is a plate having roller guides between which a reciprocating sliderbar, carrying the grinder unit, moves in and out to follow the .thsow of the crankshaft.
The abrasive Wheels are permanently mounted on ground-steel stems, carried in readily replaceable plain beatings of generous area. In order to provide for a uniform grinding pressure, a spring " cushion " is incorporated in the shaft drive gear of the stone.
Correction of tapered journals is, of 'course, provided for, the setting over, following the taking of micrometer readings of the journal, being a simple straightforward operation.. .
Such a piece of equipment should make particular appeal at the present time,' as its acquisition would make many of the Sinaller maintenance concerns practically self-contained and, therefore, independent Of outside assistance in carrying out 'one of the most important operations in engine overhaul.
Full details, together with prices, 'may ike obtained from the concession mires, E. P. Ba,rrus, .Ltd., at the address given.