Puppeteer

Author Topic: Spoked flywheel safety issue  (Read 3355 times)

starfire

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 282
    • View Profile
Spoked flywheel safety issue
« on: September 20, 2017, 12:41:01 AM »
This morning I was continuing the generator shed tidy up, and noticed a crack where one spoke joins to the center hub. This crack was quite noticeable where it had worked a small ridge in the paint that was applied only a month ago. This spoke  has been moving as the engine rotates by the looks.
This is something I guess we should be aware of.
I know cast iron has little expansive strength, and over the huge amount of time, the metal possibly can become brittle. I dont know if cast iron work hardens, but what is concerning is the danger of a flywheel disintegrating and actually killing someone in the vicinity. Its not hard to imagine the mess..... the engine alone is likely to rip itself off any mounting base and wreck itself as well. The spokes are also subject to huge torsional vibration, especially with large singles, and exaggerated by driving a load from the flywheel rim. This could well be why Lister did not put vee grooves into the rim, instead fitting a choice of pulleys direct to the shaft.... here Im just guessing.
Ill get a photo up when my camera charges.
I suggest periodically that all engine owners check their flywheels on a semi regular basis, maybe even tapping with a small hammer listening for a change in sound.....
« Last Edit: September 20, 2017, 12:53:15 AM by starfire »

LowGear

  • Casey
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2130
  • What? My diesel had fries for lunch?
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2017, 01:05:42 AM »
Looks like you'll have to purchase one of the heavy generator style sets.  Darn the luck? :~)

And I think the answer is "Yes" to all of your questions.  I'll be as interested as you to the answers from members that actually know what their talking about.  Pretty nice you noticed. 
NPR Tipper/Dump Truck
Kubota BX 2230
Witte BD Generator
SunnyBoy 6000 + SolarWorld 245

BruceM

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3054
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2017, 01:42:04 AM »
Those of us with relatively young Rajkot cast wheels have no worries at all due to the age and high quality. ;)

Just kidding.  Glad you caught it in time, Starfire, that could have been very serious.  A good thing to add to my regular service schedule. 



starfire

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 282
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2017, 02:23:29 AM »
I found this calculator here

http://keisan.casio.com/exec/system/1271292951

trying to educate myself into figuring out just what stresses there are.
If anyone knows the weight of a Lister 24 inch diam spoked flywheel, you may care to plug in some numbers.... I guessed at around 100 Kgs and saw some pretty big numbers..... likely inaccurate as the weight is predominantly at the outer rim, stretching the spokes away from the hub.

starfire

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 282
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2017, 10:53:01 AM »
I did read on one forum of an Indian Lister owner who demolished several lathe tools attempting to machine vee belt grooves in his flywheel. Further investigation revealed a file embedded in the casting.....
Urban myth? I dont know.

Tom

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1746
  • Green power is good.
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2017, 06:09:37 PM »
That file would be a strengthener, kind of like rebar in concrete no? :o
Tom
2004 Ashwamegh 6/1 #217 - ST5 just over 3k hours.

cujet

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 957
  • Lister power rules!
    • View Profile
    • www.cujet.com
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2017, 02:33:24 AM »
I've heard of a few cracked flywheels over the years. I have not heard of a catastrophic failure. Do you guys know of any?
People who count on their fingers should maintain a discreet silence

LowGear

  • Casey
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2130
  • What? My diesel had fries for lunch?
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #7 on: October 04, 2017, 03:13:23 PM »
Aloha my brother and sister Worry Warts and Safety Persons,

I must admit that I agree with glort on this one.  Not about safety issues but rather the power of urban myth and the purveyance of fake news in our every day lives.  Gossip gone wild.

As for the safety issue in this thread I wouldn't stay in the building that this machine was being operated any longer than it takes to hear "Hey, did you see the crack in that cheap ass cast iron flywheel that's spinning at 600 RPM."  When catastrophic consequences come into play with absolutely nickle and dime payback I volunteer to be captain of the Common Sense Squad.  Don't wait for Elvis.  Leave the area now!
NPR Tipper/Dump Truck
Kubota BX 2230
Witte BD Generator
SunnyBoy 6000 + SolarWorld 245

BruceM

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3054
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #8 on: October 04, 2017, 03:44:24 PM »
The cracked spoke Starfire reported was on a long and hard worked, venerable, original Lister CS.

I'd still like a pair of original SOM flywheels!




32 coupe

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 531
  • "Doc Johnson" on call !
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #9 on: October 04, 2017, 03:45:11 PM »
I have seen some idiots on the net that I wondered why they didn't blow up !



Metro 6/1 turning a ST 7.5 KW gen head
Changfa 1115 turning a ST 15 KW gen head
Ashwamegh 2/25
John Deere 110 TBL
New Holland TC 30

"I was sitting here reading this thinking what an idiot you are until I realized it was one of my earlier posts !"

38ac

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2324
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #10 on: October 04, 2017, 03:50:10 PM »
The cracked spoke Starfire reported was on a long and hard worked, venerable, original Lister CS.

I'd still like a pair of original SOM flywheels!

I know a pair than can be bought, midwest location
Collector and horder of about anything diesel

BruceM

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3054
    • View Profile
Re: Spoked flywheel safety issue
« Reply #11 on: October 04, 2017, 04:56:43 PM »
Thanks 38ac, I PM'd you on the SOM flywheels.