Metric Automotive Engineering is currently remanufacturing a crankshaft belonging to an 18-cylinder Cummins QSK 78 diesel engine. This 4000 hp diesel engine component which is 2,7 m in length, is easily accommodated on the company’s crankshaft polishing machine.
The large engine powers a rigid frame dump truck in an open cast mining operation and, as can be expected, works under arduous operating conditions.
Andrew Yorke, operations director at Metric Automotive Engineering, explains that the engine had reached its scheduled overhaul hours and that the engine components had come into the facility for assessment and remanufacturing to OEM standards, where necessary.
The diesel engine components, including the crankshaft, camshaft, conrod, block and heads, arrived at Metric Automotive Engineering’s facility, where they were cleaned using specialised high-pressure steam and ultrasonic cleaning processes.
“Cleaning is vital to facilitate visual inspection and following this, components are sent to the dedicated component sections at our facility where a skilled automotive machinist conducts a full assessment on the integrity of the component using OEM specifications and guidelines,” says Yorke.
In this instance, the crankshaft integrity was favourable, and the component only requires surface polishing of the journals. Yorke says this a “great example” of an effective lubrication filtration system and scheduled preventative maintenance helping to reduce long-term operating costs by preventing wear and damage to the crankshaft. This results in a less costly remanufacturing process to return the crankshaft to OEM specification.
Metric Automotive Engineering has a fully equipped remanufacturing facility which can handle large diesel and gas engine components with ease. Competent technical personnel receive ongoing training and development to ensure they are kept abreast of the latest technology. ISO driven quality standards and a high level of accountability ensure that customers receive remanufactured components that meet and often exceed OEM specification.
