The Cummins 6BT is one of the most popular Cummins engine. It is found in so many applications such as forklifts, cranes, trucks, and others applications. To prolong the life span of the engine, proper maintenance is required. Let’s focus on one important component of the engine which is the crankshaft. You need to know what causes damage to the crankshaft so that you can avoid it.
What can cause damage to the crankshaft?
1. Prolong use of bearings: The main and journal bearings are there to protect the crankshaft. The two provide a smooth surface for the crankshaft to run. So if you prolong their usage, it will affect the crankshaft. Therefore during the engine overhauling you must replace the main bearings and the journal bearings. For that reason, you need to know when to overhaul the engine. You shouldn’t need to wait until the engine starts developing faults before you overhaul it. At ProDieselParts, we carry all the bearings you need to overhaul your Cummins 6BT.
2. Falling thrust washer: The thrust washer is another component that protects the crankshaft. If the thrust washer falls off, then it will cause problems to the crankshaft. The thrust washer prevents the crankshaft from moving sideways, but if for any reason, the thrust washer falls, the crankshaft begins to dangle side to side which in turn will cause damage to the crankshaft. Wear is one of the causes of the thrust washer falling off. So during the engine overhauling, don’t forget to replace the thrust washer of Cummins 6BT. Buy thrust washers for your Cummins 6BT at ProDieselParts.
3. Lack of lubrication: If for any reason the engine lacks oil, then it will affect the crankshaft. Although engine oil is not consumable, rather it is recycled in the engine, and sometimes the engine may run out of oil. How would the engine may run our of oil? A bad piston ring can cause the oil to escape to the combustion chamber, which will make the oil burn and if care is not taken, the engine can run out of oil. Oil leakages can also be another reason why the engine may run out of oil. So for whatever reason that makes the engine run out of oil, it will affect the crankshaft. Without oil, there is going to be friction between the crankshaft and the bearings which will cause serious damage to the crankshaft. Sometimes the damage can be repairable, sometimes it can end the lifespan of the crankshaft.
4. Low oil pressure: Low oil pressure is an enemy to the crankshaft. Low oil pressure can be caused by many factors, but it is very dangerous to the crankshaft. During low oil pressure, the oil pump is pumping, but the pressure is too low for the well-being of the engine. To ascertain low oil pressure, you need to use a manual oil gauge to know the oil pressure level. Low oil pressure prevents the crankshaft from receiving sufficient lubrication to run smoothly and therefore causes damage to the crankshaft.
5. Clogged oil filter: As little as the oil filter is, a clogged oil filter will damage the crankshaft. A clogged oil filter means the filter has trapped in so much dirt to the extent that oil cannot pass again, because the dirt has blocked the oil passage. So from time to time don’t forget to replace the oil filter, to prolong the life span oil of the crankshaft. A good crankshaft filters the oil and ensure that no foreign particles get to the engine components. So when you have a clogged oil filter, it can also allow dirt to get to the crankshaft which will eventually cause damage to the crankshaft. Shop Oil filters at ProDieselParts.
6. Overloading: if you overload an engine, it causes damage to the crankshaft, in fact sometimes it breaks the crankshaft. Remember, the crankshaft is the backbone of the engine, if it is overloaded, it can cause damage to it. For example, if the Cummins 6BT is in a truck, ensure you don’t carry too much load than the engine limit, to not cause damage to it.
ProDieselParts is your leading suppliers for Cummins 6BT parts. From Overhaul Kits, to gaskets, piston kits and more, we carry everything to supply your engine and keep it running smoothly.
