Operational Information

The Two Stroke Crosshead Engine

The Connecting Rod
• The Connecting Rod is fitted between the
crosshead and the crankshaft. It transmits the
firing force, and together with the crankshaft
converts the reciprocating motion to a rotary
motion. 
• Made from drop forged steel, on the older
engines the bottom of the con rod terminates in
a flange known as a Marine Palm which is bolted
to the split bottom end (Crankpin) bearing, whilst
at the top another flange is formed on which is
bolted the two crosshead bearings.
• Connecting Rods on the later engines are produced as a single drop
forging incorporating the top half of the crankpin bearing housing
and the bottom half of the solid crosshead pin bearing housing.
• On older engines the bearings were white metal thick wall bearings,
scraped to fit. Clearances were adjusted by inserting or removing
shims between the bearing halves. Modern bearings are of the
"thinwall" type, where a thin layer of white metal or a tin aluminium
alloy is bonded to a steel shell backing. The clearance on these
bearings is non adjustable; When the clearance reaches a
maximum the bearing is changed.
• Oil to lubricate the crankpin bearing is supplied down a drilling in the
con rod from the crosshead. When inspecting the crankpin bearing
and journal it is good practise to check the journal for ovality
because if this is excessive, a failure in the hydrodynamic lubrication
can occur.