Author Topic: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring  (Read 5122 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline arwtee

  • Novice
  • *
  • Posts: 10
    • View Profile
Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« on: November 28, 2019, 06:43:47 pm »
I just bought a cheap engine with a stuffed top end from a broken valve. I want to get the crank, conrods and case tested for cracks and distortion before going to the expense of a rebuild. Anyone know where I can get this done in the Sydney region?

Offline Momus

  • Legend
  • *****
  • Posts: 687
    • View Profile
Re: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2019, 07:02:57 pm »
At home is as good a place as any?

Do a visual for cracks. Use a bar that fits in the small end bore and a square to check the truth of the rod.

Measure your crank runout is inside the manufacturers limits with a dial guage with the crank in the cases.

Aviation standard non destructive testing is very pricey relative to the value of old motorbike bits.

If you love it, lube it.

Offline XRH348

  • Novice
  • *
  • Posts: 19
    • View Profile
Re: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« Reply #2 on: November 29, 2019, 01:09:29 am »
There should be a General Aviation supply store at the Sydney Airport.
Check with them for a "Dye Penetrant" crack detecting kit. it should be relatively inexpensive, and You tube should be able to show you how to use it.
its a three part system.
you spray the dye on, clean off the excess, then apply a spray on powder ( like talcum powder).
if there is a crack , the dye will have been absorbed into the crack, and then a thin line will show on the powder.

Offline arwtee

  • Novice
  • *
  • Posts: 10
    • View Profile
Re: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2019, 05:34:15 pm »
Thanks, Yes, It is a bit of an overkill sending stuff away so I have explored the "at home" suggestion and it looks like the go.
The penetrant die kit isn't expensive and a great thing to have in the workshop to check for cracking that you can't see.
Dial guage and mount not expensive either.

Offline arwtee

  • Novice
  • *
  • Posts: 10
    • View Profile
Re: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« Reply #4 on: December 05, 2019, 07:50:48 am »
A forum member sent me an email recommended MT&C engineers in Silverdale, Sydney for crack testing. I checked and they are very reasonably priced so I might get them to magnaflux the crankshaft and rods and I will do the rest at home.

Offline skypig

  • Legend
  • *****
  • Posts: 625
    • View Profile
Re: Non destructive testing and engine part measuring
« Reply #5 on: December 05, 2019, 07:55:07 am »
Would “magnaflux” testing be an appropriate test for 30yo road wheels (“Mags”)
Do they need to be paint stripped?
Approx cost?

Thanks in advance for any info.