This Tech Tip is one of a number we provide for the industrial engine community. It follows an earlier Tech Tip on crankshafts; Tech Tip #83: Deutz Diesel Crankshafts: A Cautionary Note and focuses on Deutz, Perkins, and John Deere crankshafts. This Dr. Diesel™ Tech Tip gives some handy hints on how to install a new Deutz, Perkins or Deere crankshaft.
Crankshaft Installation Tips
First things first. All connecting rods, connecting rod caps, and main caps should be marked before disassembly, so they may be reinstalled in their original positions.- Inspect the bores. Rod and main bearing bores should be inspected with a dial bore gauge. Any housing bore which measures out of spec should be resized. You should recondition the connecting rods. (See Tech Tip #6: Diesel Rod Reconditioning, Tech Tip #76: The Nuts and Bolts of Con Rod Reconditioning, and Tech tip #165: Deutz 912 Diesel Connecting Rod Bolts for information on using new rod bushings and rod bolts) and align hone the block as part of their regular engine rebuilding procedure.
- Inspect the journals. The crankshaft’s journals must be within manufacturer’s tolerances. They must be smooth and free of burrs. Everything must be spotlessly clean.
- No abrasives! Never use an abrasive on the bearing surface prior to installation. The bearing may be as thin as .0005″ (12.7 microns). Any abrasive will reduce bearing life.
- Install assembly lube on dry surfaces. We use a mixture of STP and motor oil as assembly lube. The bearings should be lubed and then positioned in the rod or main saddles dry before crankshaft installation. Bearing surface finish should be 60-90Ra.
- No nicks. Exercise extreme care when installing the rods. Use Foley rod bolt protectors on the rods to prevent nicks to the crankshaft.
- Clean threads. Bolt threads should be cleaned and lightly lubricated.
- Check bearing clearances with Plastiguage.
- Properly torque all bolts. We supply free Workshop Manuals and free Foley coffee cups with our overhaul kits. Review the specs over a cup of coffee!
- Pre-lubricate the engine prior to starting. Many newer engine designs use a crankshaft driven oil pump that can’t be driven by a drill motor. Using a commercially available pressure lubricator facilitates pre-lubrication of virtually any engine
For parts and service for your Deutz, Perkins or John Deere engine call us directly at 800.233.6539. International customers can call us at 1.508.753.2979. We stock, and have ready to ship, brand new Deutz, Perkins, and Deere crankshafts. Usually they cost less than welding and regrinding your shaft locally. Plus, as new shafts, they last a lot longer than a welded shaft. We have a full century (we were founded in 1916) of experience helping people running Deutz, Perkins, and John Deere industrial Engines.
