Abstract: A crankshaft assembly for use with a connecting rod having a one-piece crankpin bearing support. The crankshaft assembly includes a first one-piece crankshaft portion having a first counterweight, a first end of a main axle extending outwardly from one end of the first counterweight, and a crankpin extending outwardly from the other end of the first counterweight. Similarly, a second one-piece crankshaft portion includes a second counterweight, a second end of the main axle extending outwardly from one end of the second counterweight. The second one-piece crankshaft portion also includes a crankpin receiving hole formed in the second counterweight. The one-piece crankpin bearing support on the connecting rod is positioned over the crankpin and, thereafter, the first and second crankshaft portions are secured together by press fitting the crankpin on the first crankshaft portion into the receiving hole on the second crankshaft portion. A method of manufacturing the crankshaft assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a main shaft with two ends adapted to rotate about its axis. A crankpin also has two ends and an axis parallel to but radially spaced from the axis of the main shaft. At least one counterweight extends between one end of the shaft and one end of the crankpin and this counterweight is formed by casting a liquid metal around the ends of the main shaft and crankpin in a molding chamber. In a modification of the crankshaft, a hollow crankpin is disposed within the mold such that each end of the crankpin is positioned within a mold cavity corresponding to a counterweight. Upon casting the liquid metal in the mold cavities forming the counterweights, the molten metal flows inwardly from both ends of the crankpin and joins together to form a continuous metal connection between the counterweights.

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a main shaft with two ends adapted to rotate about its axis. A crankpin also has two ends and an axis parallel to but radially spaced from the axis of the main shaft. At least one counterweight extends between one end of the shaft and one end of the crankpin and this counterweight is formed by casting a liquid metal around the ends of the main shaft and crankpin in a molding chamber. In a modification of the invention, a hollow crankpin is disposed within the mold such that each end of the crankpin is positioned within a mold cavity corresponding to a counterweight. Upon casting the liquid metal in the mold cavities forming the counterweights, the molten metal flows inwardly from both ends of the crankpin and joins together to form a continuous metal connection between the counterweights.