Team Synergy Coatings: Automotive Coatings for Crankshafts

Team Synergy Coatings Automotive Coatings Coating a crankshaft provides increased lubrication to the journals and aid in shedding oil from the counterweights. Depending on the intended use, a different coating may be required for the counterweights.

The crank journals should be coated with DFLC-402, DFLC-404 or DFLC-401dry film lubricant. DFLC-401 may be the best to use since it cures to a thinner film than either DFLC-402 or DFLC-404. In all cases, reduce any excessive build up with ScotchBright or similar material; DO NOT assemble the crank and bearings "tight." Properly done, there should be no need to change the clearances to allow for the coating. The coating will burnish to a near "0" dimension during running.

Coating with a dry film lubricant increases the lubrication levels by reducing friction and adding a protective layer. Normally, lubrication is provided by a film of oil where the rotational action of a crank, coupled with the pressure- fed oiling system, aids in keeping a film of oil in place at higher pressures. However, when pressures exceed what the oil can carry, the oil will flow away from the point of contact. All of Team Synergy Coatings dry film lubricating coatings can lubricate at pressures exceeding 350,000 PSI (2.41316 x 106 kPa) which is well beyond the pressure you would expect to see in use. In addition, the coatings are "fluid retaining" and help keep a layer of oil in place. The coating actually becomes more lubricious or slippery as pressure increases which enhances the protective, friction-reducing action.

The type of lubricating solids used will have a major effect on the ability of the coating to provide the desired protection. Certain ingredients such as "Teflon" are very slick only at low pressures and rotational speeds. Traditional lubricants like graphite do not lubricate in environments where moisture is not present. Team Synergy Coatings utilizes moly (Molybdenum Disulfide, MOS2) as well as other extreme pressure lubricants that can carry tremendous loads while experiencing extremely fast rotational or sliding speeds. The resin must also be capable of maintaining a bond under the same conditions.

The crankshaft counter weights can be coated with TCD-201 which has good oil shedding characteristics. TCD-201 not only sheds oil but helps cool the crank by transferring the heat generated in the crank to the oil more rapidly. Watch the use of a "lubricated" type thermal barriers containing "Teflon" and other "polymers" that will actually trap heat in the crankshaft.

Team Synergy Coatings can increase the life and durability of these automotive and engine parts: