Foretract Engineering Ltd - Balance weight stud removal on generator engine crankshaft

Metal Disintegrator in horizontal position to remove seized
studs from engine crankshaft.

Balance weight stud removal on generator
engine crankshaft

A leading power supply company that uses methane gas from landfill sites to fuel V16 engines powering generators producing about 1200KVA had a repeating problem with the studs that hold the balance weight (approx 90kg) onto the end of the crankshaft.
After a large number of running hours the crankshaft oil seal at the front of the engine behind the balance weight began to leak necessitating replacement. When the six studs holding the balance weight were removed it became clear to the power company engineers that some became very tight and were “picking up on the threads”.

Successfully removed stud. Clearly showing aria where the threads have “picked up”. Hole was fully serviceable after cleaning with a new tap.

Successfully removed stud. Clearly showing area where the threads have “picked up”. Hole was fully serviceable after cleaning with a new tap.

Foretract Engineering carried out an on site survey and produced a method statement for the removal of the seized studs using their
specialist metal disintegration skills.

A precision electrode was machined in our workshop to suit the stud size together with other special mountings etc.
The seized stud was removed with no damage to the crankshaft hole. The entire operation including removal/replacement of the balance weight and seal can be carried out in one day, therefore reducing down time and the resulting lost revenue to the power company.

UK office > +44 (0) 17684 83669
Mobile > +44 (0) 7836 757339

Workshop Address
Foretract Engineering Ltd,
Unit 13 Blencathra Business Centre, Threlkeld, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TR