Getting To Know Your Engine: Flywheels

How Flywheels Work In Your Semi-Truck's Diesel Engine

The final in our series on the diesel engine in your semi-truck, this article is designed to help you learn more about flywheels. If you've wanted to know more about diesel engine flywheels, then you're in the right place. To help increase your knowledge on the subject, our experts have put together the following article. Read on to learn more about flywheels!

Does A Diesel Engine Have A Flywheel?

Diesel engines that are made with a manual transmission typically include a flywheel. The flywheel is connected to the engine's crankshaft is, which connects to the clutch. In a sense, the flywheel is a conduit in between your engine and clutch assembly.

What Is A Diesel Engine Flywheel?

Located at the end of the camshaft, a modern diesel engine's flywheel was developed to serve three purposes. First, flywheels minimize vibration by steadying the power stroke when the cylinders fire. Second, flywheels are the surface on which engines are bolted to their load. Third, on many of today's diesel engines, flywheels are made with gear teeth around the outside that are designed engage the starter motor and crank the engine.

Why Does A Diesel Engine Need A Bigger Flywheel?

To make sure that a product is durable, it often happens that the weight of that product needs to be increased, which tends to make things bigger in general. That said, when it comes to heavy-duty diesel engines, flywheels tend to weigh a lot. Heavier flywheels take more force to move. But this is a necessity if you want a flywheel to stand the test of time.

Depending on the kind of engine you have and what it is used for, flywheels will vary in size. Originally, most flywheels were made from heavy-duty steel. In modern diesel engines, carbon composite centers are becoming the new normal, with only the ring made from steel.

In modern semi-truck diesel engines, flywheels are becoming both stronger and lighter. This means enhancements in MPGs and in overall rotational mass. However, in some cases, durability takes a hit.

How Do I Know If My Flywheel Is Bad?

The flywheel is put under strain when you are accelerating and the crankshaft speeds up. The more rotation that occurs, the greater the rotational torque on the flywheel. This will intensify the symptoms of a bad flywheel and will cause issues when you are moving up through the gears.

A properly functioning flywheel is an essential part in making sure that your engine is running at peak capacity. There are several ways to determine whether you have a bad flywheel in your commercial truck. Four ways to tell if your flywheel is bad include:

1. Clutch will slip when in gear: If your flywheel is not spinning smoothly, this can damage the clutch plate, which will eventually lead to a slipping clutch.

2. Difficulty changing gears: At higher speeds, a cracked flywheel will warp slightly. This can cause issues when moving through the gears.

3. Vibrating clutch pedal: A vibrating clutch pedal can be caused by a worn clutch plate that isn't sitting flush against the flywheel. This can be the result of a warped or cracked flywheel. The warped flywheel ensures uneven wear in the clutch plate, which will stop it from engaging fully.

4. Burning smell: The burning smell is the clutch plate friction material wearing down as it moves against the surface of the flywheel. If the flywheel is damaged or the clutch isn't engaging fully, then the plate will slip and will wear away.

Read More About Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines

Have you been researching diesel engines and the components that help make sure your vehicle runs smoothly? If so, then you have arrived at the perfect place! For those that have been looking up diesel engines, our team of experts have written the following articles. Click on any of the links below to read more about engine parts!

· Getting To Know Your Engine

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Camshafts

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Turbochargers

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Rocker Arms

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Fuel Injectors

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Surge Tanks

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Pumps

Shop Now For Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Parts

If you've been hunting for the perfect engine parts for your semi-truck, then look no further. To make sure you have access to the parts you need, we have a full catalogue of components for you to choose from. No matter what parts you are looking for, you won't have any trouble finding them in our massive inventory. Shop now for heavy-duty engine parts!