SEAL-TRACK 1584380 - Caterpillar

The crankshaft can be deflected if the engine was not installed correctly. If the engine mounting rail is not fastened correctly to the foundation mounting rail, the cylinder block can twist or the cylinder block can bend. This will cause the crankshaft to deflect. This deflection can cause crankshaft failure and bearing failure.The crankshaft deflection must be checked after the final installation of the engine. The check can be made with the engine hot or cold.The deflection must be checked at the following cylinders:
No. 1 and No. 2
No. 9 and No. 10
No. 17 and No. 18Use the following procedure to check the crankshaft deflection:
Remove an inspection cover from the cylinder block that will give access to the connecting rod journal.
Turn the crankshaft in the direction of normal rotation until the center of the counterweights barely go beyond the connecting rod.
Install the Starrett Crankshaft Distortion Dial Gauge No. 696 and the Starrett Balancer Attachment No. 696B between the counterweights. The counterweight has a center punch mark (depression) on each side. Place the dial gauge on the counterweight's center punch mark. Zero the dial indicator.Note: Do NOT allow the dial indicator to make contact with the connecting rod.
Turn the crankshaft in the direction of normal rotation until the dial indicator almost makes contact with the connecting rod. This connecting rod is on the other side of the crankshaft.
The dial indicator must not change more than 0.18 mm (0.007 inch) in the front, 0.08 mm (0.003 inch) in the middle, and 0.18 mm (0.007 inch) in the rear.The above values are based on approximately 300 degrees of crankshaft rotation. Refer to Table 1.
Table 1
Dial Indicator Readings    
Front     Middle     Rear    
0.18 mm (0.007 inch)    
0.08 mm (0.003 inch)    
0.18 mm (0.007 inch)    
Now turn the crankshaft in the opposite direction to the starting position. The dial indicator must now read zero. If the dial indicator does not read zero, repeat the procedure.If the dial indicator reads more than the value in Table 1, the cylinder block is distorted. Loosen the bolts that hold the engine mounting rails to the foundation mounting rails. Adjust the shims in order to make the engine straight. Ensure that the engine mounting bolts have enough clearance in order to allow the engine to expand as the engine gets hot.