Flywheel in focus with Diesel Technic
Components provider Diesel Technic has outlined some of the features of its flywheel range for commercial vehicles.
From acting as a friction plate to helping the starter motor crank the engine, the deceptively simple-looking flywheel plays key roles in every diesel engine with a manual transmission, explains Diesel Technic’s Mark Todd.
“Located on the output site of the crankshaft, the flywheel establishes the connection between engine and clutch, and ensures smoother running of the engine,” said Mark.
“As the crankshaft rotates, the flywheel stores kinetic energy. Due to its mass inertia, it can continue to rotate, even when at certain times the engine does not supply any operating power.
“The flywheel takes up the clutch. Together they build the flywheel mass.”
On the outer diameter of the flywheel is a ring gear, into which the starter pinion engages when the engine starts up, explains Mark (pictured, right) – and this is likely to be many thousands of times during its service life.
“To ensure long service life, the teeth of the ring gear are specially heat-treated (hardening / tempering),” he continued.
“In many cases the teeth of the gear are equipped with an inlet bevel to ensure better engagement of the starter pinion. On the outer diameter of the flywheel are markings to fix the precise ignition point.
“The receiving diameter of the clutch housing is produced with a very tight tolerance, to ensure the centring of the coupling. The friction surface of the clutch disk is produced with a highly accurate run-out tolerance.”
DT Spare Parts brand offers a complete range with more than 40,000 different spare parts for trucks, trailers and buses, including all standard flywheels for trucks and buses.
In addition to flywheels, the range includes all matching ring gears, ball races, bearings, starter pinions and flywheel housings.
“Before installation, make sure all parts are free from grease, dirt and dust,” Mark advised.
“You must ensure that the flywheel and the crankshaft are aligned according to the drill image.”
