welding steel crankshaft

[rs1800lotto]

hi, just wondering if anyone has welded the big end of a crankshaft. the crankshaft is steel and not cast. if yes, what process did you use (mig, tig or arc) and what were the results like. thanks.

 

[zzr1200]

Crankshafts can be welded/metal sprayed but it ain't a cheap process, you will need to find a specialised engine re-conditioners for this, as the crank will need striaghting and reginding after welding.

Probably cheaper to buy a brand new crank, which vehicle is it for???

I only know of one company that I would ask and they rebuild/rework engines from vehicles through to radial aero engines.

http://www.thurstonengineering.co.uk/history.htm

 

[rs1800lotto]

i have no problem getting the crank straightened or ground. it's the how would i find out the welding process is my problen, would it be mig welded, tiged or would i use a rod. if it is miged, what wire and gas would i use or if it is to be welded with a rod what rod would i use etc. the crank is a narrow journal type and is rare so getting a replacement is not really an option.

thanks

 

[the snooper]

this site may give you an idea

 

[pidgeon chit welder]

hi, just wondering if anyone has welded the big end of a crankshaft. the crankshaft is steel and not cast. if yes, what process did you use (mig, tig or arc) and what were the results like. thanks.

Most quality crankshafts are pickled ( nitrided )and shot peine'd to harden , your welding will most likely see the need for it to be redone .
Best welds are done using a submerged arc stuff .

 

[rs1800lotto]

thanks for all the info . i'll let ye know how i get on with it.

 

[Alfaman]

Crankshafts can be welded/metal sprayed but it ain't a cheap process

True. Few years back, I had a Honda CR250 2-stroke crank with damage to one of the bearing surfaces, due to a main bearing breaking up. The cost for metal spraying was unrealistic, so we V-eed out the damage with an angle grinder, preheated it and then stick-welded and made good.

OK, it wasn't a big end so not under the same stresses? But it never gave any problems.

 

[MaxRPM]

Google 'Service Exchange Parts-Kegworth'. They have rebuilt a few Suzuki steel racing cranks for me and you can't tell them from new when you get them back. Some good old boys still working there!

 

[tigler]

You could try this company !!

Although as this was taken from a 1940's edition of the Oil Engine Manual they may have moved

 

[Bsmith]

True. Few years back, I had a Honda CR250 2-stroke crank with damage to one of the bearing surfaces, due to a main bearing breaking up. The cost for metal spraying was unrealistic, so we V-eed out the damage with an angle grinder, preheated it and then stick-welded and made good.

OK, it wasn't a big end so not under the same stresses? But it never gave any problems.

We really do learn all the time, I would have thought if you touched a crank shaft with a live welding rod or a heating torch that would be the end of it.

 

[bill_gj]

When the hot-rodding movement started in the USA in the 50s, it was a relatively common modification to get your engine 'stroked and bored' to increase the capacity.
You found some shorter con rods and then had the crank pins heavily welded and then gound back so that the crank throw was increased. That, plus the biggest rebore you could get, increased the capacity and power output potential.
Listen to "Little Deuce Coupe" by the Beach Boys - there, I said it, to my shame.

 

[inchpincher]

I had a longer rod and better bearing put in this scooter crank, the big end pin was then tig'd, ground and the webs trued...