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Thermo King X430 Compressor Crankshafts Last Up To Four Times Longer Than "Will-Fits" During Fatigue Tests
An accelerated fatigue test was conducted to measure the relative strength of non-Thermo King compressor crankshafts being used to overhaul Thermo King X430 compressors. All the crankshafts were subjected to the same test parameters. The test indicates a Thermo King compressor crankshaft has a fatigue life of up to four times that of "will fit" crankshafts. All four "will fit" crankshafts tested were sourced from four different suppliers. Each was found to be of inferior strength resulting in lives of 63% or less than the Thermo King part.
The Fatigue Factor
In operation, Thermo King's X430 compressor crankshaft is subjected to continuous cyclical loading on the compression stroke of each cylinder. This pulsating load causes the crankshaft to slightly flex four times during each rotation - over ½ million times per operating hour. This constant flexing can eventually cause the crankshaft to fatigue and crack.
The High Cost Of Failure
Costs associated with premature failure of a compressor crankshaft extends beyond the time and materials to replace the part. When a compressor fails, the temperature control system is rendered inoperable. The system is down, and downtime for trailers translates quickly into lost revenues. When a compressor crankshaft fails, it could be days or weeks before it's repaired and the system is back on the road. What's more, if a compressor crankshaft fails at the wrong time, there's a real damage of losing a valuable load. Customers need to ask themselves whether an inferior part is worth the risk? In addition, use of non-Thermo King parts will void Thermo King's compressor warranty and should not be installed as replacements.
Conclusion
Although there are several crankshafts being marketed today for replacement use in X430 compressors, only genuine Thermo King replacement crankshafts are built to stand up to the high cycle loading requirements.
Use only Thermo King compressor crankshafts for optimum fatigue life and operation.
For more information,
contact your local dealer.
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