Curious, why is good to store a crank standing on end?

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by JWL

I've had cranks from every storage conception in the crank grinding machine and I do not believe the standing up or laying down orientations have any influence on whether or not the crank deforms.

Yup x 2

R

[Clem Clement]

I'm not a Navy guy, but I understand the big ships have to keep their prop shafts in slow motion while in Port to keep from shaft warp.

[tamnalan]

I suspect this crankshaft "plastic deformation" issue is not something to worry about. If a crankshaft is that "soft", then how could it withstand the stresses exerted by the combustion process, like when lugging the engine down under load?

[Binx]

I have a 4" Merc crank that is one of "x" remaining in the world. It cost me $200 and is worn but can be ground one more time. Should I store it on end or on its side?

Lonnie

[Roger/Sacramento]

If someone wants to store a crank horizontally build a wooden box and fill it with dry sand. Lay the crank onto the sand and push it down until it is settled.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

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Originally Posted by Clem Clement

I'm not a Navy guy, but I understand the big ships have to keep their prop shafts in slow motion while in Port to keep from shaft warp.

That is true, it's called engaging the jacking gear, an electric motor through gear ruduction spins the shaft ever so slowly.

[Fordestes]

I used to store my cranks in a flaged hanger until I bumped one somehow and the oil slinger that separates the rear main and the rear seal busted, I sold the flange sliding type and built the wooden one , It's harder for me to mess it up. only problem is all shafts aren't the same length, so I slide a piece of p.v.c pipe over the shorter ones' snout to keep it from falling off the rack. I 'll find an eight year old and have them post a picture of mine and a dimentional drawing , I like the wood so it can't damage
the metal shafts, and for a small one person shop it's suitable for me.
Fordestes,

[Diavolo]

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

That is true, it's called engaging the jacking gear, an electric motor through gear ruduction spins the shaft ever so slowly.

Actually, engaging the jacking gear is only done during startup. The introduction of steam on the turbine causes the warpage. With the jacking gear engaged, the turbine is allowed to heat up to operating temperature evenly. That's what would cause the warpage, not the fact that it is stationary.

I'm an old Navy Machinists mate, pretty sure I know the answer to this one.

[B-O-B]

I have two cranks stored like the pic. One is a 4" merc & the other is a 3 3/4" from a 47 truck. The V has the old bearings for support & the base has casters so that I can move them around easily. Best I can remember I got the idea from a book by Frank Oddo on building a V/8 engine. I keep them covered with a oily rag to keep the dust off. No rust here in the hi-dez. YET??

[JWL]

Do we realize just how precise those boxed "V-Blocks" would need to be sized and aligned in order to provide a "straight-line" support at the 3 mains?????? Like within one thousands of an inch--- If your purpose is protection from dirt or rust that is good. Otherwise a waste of time.

[B-O-B]

Well I cut them all held together & used a straight edge & they seem to line up good enough for me. I didn't use a feeler gauge for clearance tho. I'll take my chances as opposed to storing on end & have one fall over.

[Macdozer]

I am about to remove my crankshaft from my 59ab and this is what I was thinking of storing it on.



Does it also need support in the middle? And I will also cover metal supports with soft material so I don't damage the mains.

[B-O-B]

Does it also need support need middle? YEP

[Macdozer]

I will probably cut a piece of wood to support the middle main. How long can I leave it like this.

[Sixseven]

All metals have an ability to creep which is a phenomenon similar to the overhead fan blades (which are not metal) on that ceiling fan on your outdoor porch. It is an understood variable in the calculations used during the design of a part. All materials such as metal, wood, plastic and even glass have an ability to creep but that ability varies and is more dependent on elevated temperature then he dead weight of the part we are talking about. The contribution to failure in a part like a crank from creep is negligible. The ability to keep stock in storage and for work flow requirements during the manufacture or rebuilding these engines has to be the primary reason for vertical storage. Self deformation from creep is too far down the list to consider.

[49fordv8f4]

I would think that if laying a crank on it side unsupported would cause one to bend, that standing one on the flywheel end would cause it to bend at the rod throw closest to end it is standing on. I wouldn't be concerned about bending, I would be more interested in storage to protect them from damage.
Mark

[34ford]

I have a couple of them also I think I will store them in the refrigerator so they stay cool, do you think I,am correct?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Macdozer

I will probably cut a piece of wood to support the middle main. How long can I leave it like this.

Only to Armageddon.

[my4dv8]

So if we leave a crank laying on its side for long enough it will eventually resemble a 6x2 flat bar stock??
Storing on end is very convenient for space and to pick one out.

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by 34ford

I have a couple of them also I think I will store them in the refrigerator so they stay cool, do you think I,am correct?

Only if it is a frost free model and the beer cans are kept at a safe distance.