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Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 8:28 pm
by Strummer10
Hi all, does anyone know where I can get a tool to check a crankshaft is running true and not twisted ?

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 9:54 pm
by Muppet
ALPHA TRUE BEARINGS of Dudley made jigs for checking crankshafts they come up for sale on eBay and other selling sites or get a set of V blocks and a dial gauge on an adjustable stand

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:07 am
by Tractorman
JB Fabrications in North Scarle mark one that works.

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:32 am
by coaster
Not ideal but if the crank is in the engine and the bearings are good, you can put a dial gauge on the end of the taper and rotate by twisting the front sprocket. I did this after my Richard Taylor GT crank fell off the bench and wanted to be sure it hadn't twisted. My dial gauge told me it had a 2 thou run out which I'm led to believe is within tolerance. Went ahead with the build and it runs as smooth as silk.

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:48 am
by HxPaul
Surely if the crank is out of true,your flywheel will be out causing the magnets to catch on the stator plate.

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 11:05 am
by Muppet
HxPaul wrote: Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:48 am Surely if the crank is out of true,your flywheel will be out causing the magnets to catch on the stator plate.
normal tolerance is within 3 thou total run out that equals 1.5 thou out from centre line and shows up as a total of three thou on a dial gauge doin a 360 degrees rotation :ugeek: if you were running points it would move the points to a maximum 1.5 thou extra on a electronic ignition I don’t thunk a pickup would know

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:14 pm
by Grumpy225
HxPaul wrote: Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:48 am Surely if the crank is out of true,your flywheel will be out causing the magnets to catch on the stator plate.
yes. Worse case it can destroy the bearings, stator and flywheel. When a crank twists it can destroy a lot of bits.

Some will disagree but V blocks are not as accurate as truing the crank from the centers

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:19 pm
by Strummer10
Thanks Colin and others for responses. The only reason I'm thinking crank 'might' be out of true is because the oil seal has failed after only 3000 miles and I'm a pedantic bugger when I draw the crank through the seal and bearing so I'm sure it went it without damaging the seal and on dismantling the seal looks ok ?could it possibly be slightly ovulating that side causing same symptoms was my thought ? Whilst crank was out wanted to test it, but now I'm thinking of changing it for bigger stroke. It's on a Ts1 what's the max cranki could use and benefit....and should I dremel myself or drop to specialist

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 7:48 am
by coaster
Strummer10 wrote: Wed Aug 01, 2018 6:19 pm ..................now I'm thinking of changing it for bigger stroke. It's on a Ts1 what's the max cranki could use and benefit....and should I dremel myself or drop to specialist
I fitted the Grand Tourisimo 62x110 crank that came as part of my GT240 build and cut the trench with the careful use of an angle grinder. It only needed a millimetre or so removed. I think Eden uses a die grinder so a dremel could work too.

Re: Tool for checking crankshaft is true

Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 9:26 am
by Strummer10
Cheers Colin, out in the garage today to see what I need to order. Will take a look at that crank then