Video: Working on a 15,000-pound, 15-inch-stroke Crankshaft

Nothing screams bad-ass engine like a colossal crankshaft, and Texas-based Coastal Plating Co. works with the largest industrial crankshafts around. The company just posted videos of crank and rod repair for the rotating assembly found in a massive Worthington BDC4 compressor that is often used in the oil industry.

“This particular BDC crank has a 15-inch stroke,” says company spokesman Scott Rister, adding that the steel crank stretches out 12 feet long and weighs close to 15,000 pounds. “The rod and main diameters are 16 inches.”

The 4-cylinder compressor is usually turned by a 900-horsepower electric motor and runs around 300 rpm. Not sure of the cylinder bore or piston design — but it’s obvious, however, a machine that size can move a bunch of air. So it takes even bigger machinery to service these cranks. Coastal says it has the largest crank grinder in the US or Canada in its 75,000-square-foot facility. The company has the capability of chrome plating crankshafts and other gear of this size. Other services include block and camshaft repair.

And even bigger iron is moving into the shop. Coastal, which was started in 1948 by Rister’s grandfather, will start refurbishing and plating a 38-foot, 37,000-pound crank from a TCV 20 Ingersoll Rand compressor. This 19-inch stroke crank features 14.5-inch rod journals and 16-inch mains. The company is promising videos and photos of that operation. Stay tuned or check out the company’s Facebook page for more info.

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
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