Cam Effect / Ridge Wear Alert

Cam Effect / Ridge Wear Alert

Many diesel engine manufacturers have circulated Service Bulletins to their customers warning them of this condition and advise methods to avoid or minimise failures.

When medium speed four stroke engines have accumulated in the region of 60,000 running hours there is a condition that can develop that is sometimes described as the “cam effect” or “ridge wear”. This develops over a period of time and can be identified as a protruding band that goes around the circumference of the crankpin diameter that can lead to the failure of the crankpin bearing sometimes causing disastrous results. If no action is taken to rectify this effect a failure may occur.

The effect can cause extensive build up of heat which in turn can harden the crankpin diameter causing problems in lubrication and eventual crankpin failure. These failures can also result in broken conrods that break through the main engine crankcase doors causing considerable damage to the engine block in that area.

Expert orbital machining of crankpin diameters remove the cam effect.

Main bearing and crankpin orbital machining and superfinishing. Crankshaft straightening and heat treatment to reduce hardness values to enable re machining in situ.

Damaged crankpin bearing journals

Heat Treatment/annealing that can reduce the surface hardness of the crankpin diameter to allow the re-machining of the crankpin diameter for an undersize bearing.

Cold Metalock Repair on broken Crankcase door

Specialist cold Metalock casting repairs (metal stitching) following engine failure and broken conrod breaking out the side of the engine block.

Global Metrology Services

Using the latest laser surveying equipment Metalock are able to measure even the most obscure components and structures and provide accurate images and data that can assist the customer in making educated decisions prior to any capital investment.