Balancing a crankshaft.

[rlukens]

I'm wondering about balancing a single cylinder crankshaft. I've "designed" and built a few engines myself . I've always balanced the crank by itself, out of the engine, on roller bearings. I'm building my first flame eater and perhaps a little over-concerned after reading other's accounts of failure. Is there a better way to balance the crank? One that accounts for rod and piston momentum, combustion forces, etc. etc.
Wondering.
Russ

 

[tornitore45]

I think the crankshaft optimum balance is when it balance the pin plus 1/2 of the attached reciprocating weight. So is difficult to do experimentally but can be calculated, with patience.

 

[WOB]

Scroll down to TECH TIP here: http://modelenginenews.org/ed.2004.03.html#tt

WOB

 

[rlukens]

Scroll down to TECH TIP here: http://modelenginenews.org/ed.2004.03.html#tt

WOB

Excellent write-up. Thank you.