What exactly is involved when the "turn the crank"
 

What machine work is actually performed? Does that mean all they do is balance it? Thanks.

vmax84

Title should read "when they turn the crank".

Thanks.

they machine the crank to make it smooth and even and balance it.

Actually, when they "turn" the crank it is to remove metal to accomodate undersized bearings in the event the crank is worn beyond it's factory specs and cannot use original size bearings.

They "polish" the crank to make it smooth, if needed.

They check and balance the counter weights, if necessary, after removing material from the crank.

It really depends on why it was removed and how much damage is done if any. If they are just checking the crank compared to factory specs, they may actually not remove any material at all.

Thanks for the responses. Also, what would be a typical price for having the engine block cleaned, bored (22re engine), and crankshaft turned? I was quoted 59 to clean, 18/cylinder,and 100 to turn the crank from a good machine shop. Just comparing prices. Thanks.

vmax84

Cleaning (hot tank) - I dunno...

Those prices are fair... $100 to turn the crank is a good price.

I'd recommend having your machine shop measure the pistons before you bore it.. As the pistons can vary, the bore size may vary a little bit also.
Rings have to be sized to the bores also.


Typical machine work costs for a rebuild (including the head) run between $400-$600 in my area.. For a high end job, including full balance, $600-$800.