There are many components that exist within an engine. All of these components function differently, yet in synchronicity, to ensure the mechanism works efficiently. For these mechanisms to work, it is crucial for there to be a robust design and structure surrounding the components. Hence, a crankcase does exactly that.

What is a Crankcase?

Within an engine, the main component is the crankcase. The crankcase is, essentially, the casing for the whole crankshaft mechanism within the internal combustion engine. Whilst the engine ancillaries and the transmission/gearbox are attached to the perimeter of the crankcase, it holds all of the crank mechanism parts, including; the pistons, connecting rods, and cylinders.

The structure and function of a crankcase are relatively simple but, yet highly significant. A crankcase has a strong, robust structure as a result of its casting material. The casting material consists of the following components:

• Iron
• Carbon
• Manganese
• Phosphorous
• Silicon

The casting material, iron, helps the initial goal of maintaining a strong and durable structure, as iron is a heavy metal. As the central component within an engine – essentially, the ‘body’ that holds all of the engine parts together in one sufficient place – the structure of a crankcase is vital for maintaining its optimum function and performance.

Why are Crankcases important?

Initially, considering that each part of the engine functions in coordination with each other to work efficiently, this would produce a significant amount of pressure within the engine. Hence, with iron being a key part of the casting material, this is inextricably useful for the engine, an area of high stress and pressure concentration.

Due to a diesel engine having a concentration of high-pressures, it is crucial to have effective ventilation. For instance, gases can get released and leak into the crankcase, because of too much pressure inside the engine’s combustion chamber. These combustion gases, contain impurities that can further mix with the oil, forming greasy and thick sediment within the crankcase. If this happens, this can corrode and damage the components inside the engine. Hence, a crankcase’s ventilation system helps prevent gas and oil mixing by venting the gas and replacing with fresh air.

Additionally, the pressure that is created inside the cylinder during the combustion process goes against the piston’s motion during the power stroke, which means the engine loses a certain amount of power working against the pressures within the crankcase. Therefore, an engines vacuum system is designed to remove the gases to limit crankcase pressure pumps, further increasing the power output of the engine.

Furthermore, the crankcase is designed to be the core structural component of the engine, a component where all other mechanisms are held together. The design of a crankcase ensures structural robustness, as well as increases the efficiency of oil and pressure passages.

For more information about parts for heavy duty diesel engines , including Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo and Perkins , please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly, to talk to a member of our team! Call us at +44 (0) 1604 491 133, email sales@jaytrac.co.uk, or contact us directly via our online enquiry form.