3094027
Plain Woodruff Key
Cummins®

The Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key is a component used in heavy-duty truck engines. Its purpose is to secure rotating components to shafts, ensuring they remain in place and function correctly. This key plays a role in maintaining the integrity and performance of the engine by facilitating the transmission of torque between components ³.

Basic Concepts of Plain Woodruff Key

A Plain Woodruff Key is a type of key used in machinery to prevent relative rotation between a shaft and the components mounted on it. It is designed with a semicircular cross-section, which fits into a matching groove cut into the shaft. This design allows the key to distribute the load evenly, reducing the risk of shearing. Within an engine, the Plain Woodruff Key ensures that components such as gears and pulleys remain aligned and operate efficiently ².

Purpose of the Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key

The Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key serves to secure components to the engine’s shaft, ensuring they do not move or slip during operation. By doing so, it plays a role in transmitting torque from the shaft to the attached components, which is vital for the engine’s operation. This key is integral to maintaining the precise alignment and rotational integrity of engine parts, which is necessary for efficient power transmission and overall engine performance ³.

Key Features

The Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key is crafted from high-quality materials to withstand the demanding conditions of heavy-duty truck engines. Its dimensions and design are tailored to fit specific applications, ensuring a secure fit and reliable performance. The key’s material and construction are chosen to resist wear and fatigue, making it suitable for the rigors of heavy-duty use ¹.

Benefits of Using a Plain Woodruff Key

Incorporating a Plain Woodruff Key into engine design offers several advantages. It enhances the reliability of the engine by ensuring components remain securely attached to the shaft. The design of the key allows for straightforward installation and removal, which simplifies maintenance procedures. Additionally, the key’s ability to distribute load evenly contributes to the longevity of both the key and the components it secures ³.

Installation Process

Installing the Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper fit and function. The process involves cleaning the shaft and the keyway to remove any debris, inserting the key into the keyway, and then mounting the component onto the shaft. It is important to ensure the key is fully seated and that the component is properly aligned to avoid issues during operation. Common pitfalls include improper seating of the key, which can lead to component misalignment or failure ³.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Regular inspection of the Cummins 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key is recommended to identify signs of wear or damage. Common issues include key shearing or component misalignment, which can be indicative of excessive wear or incorrect installation. Maintenance practices should include checking the fit and condition of the key during routine engine servicing, and replacing it if signs of wear are detected. This proactive approach helps ensure the longevity and performance of the engine ³.

Cummins: A Brief Overview

Cummins Inc. is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines, filtration, and power generation products. With a history spanning over a century, Cummins has established a reputation for quality and innovation in the automotive industry, particularly in the production of heavy-duty truck components. The company’s product range includes a variety of engines and parts designed to meet the demanding requirements of commercial and industrial applications ³.

Compatibility of Plain Woodruff Key Part 3094027 with Cummins Engines

The Plain Woodruff Key part number 3094027, manufactured by Cummins, is designed to fit seamlessly with the following Cummins engines:

• QST30 CM2350 T101
• QST30 CM552

In the context of these engines, this Cummins part is integral to the operation of the engine’s rotating assemblies. It is typically used to connect the crankshaft and other rotating components, ensuring that they rotate in unison without slippage. This synchronization is crucial for maintaining the engine’s efficiency and longevity.

For the QST30 CM2350 T101 and QST30 CM552 engines, 3094027 is specifically engineered to fit the unique design and specifications of these models. Its precise dimensions and material properties are tailored to withstand the operational stresses and torques encountered in these engines.

When installing or replacing this part in these engines, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure a proper fit and function. This includes verifying the correct key size and ensuring that it is correctly aligned and securely fitted within the designated slots of the crankshaft and other components ³.

Role of Part 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key in Engine Systems

The Part 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key is a component in various engine systems, ensuring the secure and precise alignment of rotating parts. Its application spans across multiple critical engine components, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the engine.

Block and Cylinder

In the engine block and cylinder assembly, the Plain Woodruff Key is utilized to maintain the alignment between the crankshaft and the cylinder bores. This ensures that the pistons move smoothly within the cylinders, minimizing friction and wear. Proper alignment is vital for the efficient transfer of power from the crankshaft to the pistons ³.

Cam Follower Assembly and Camshaft

The cam follower assembly relies on the Plain Woodruff Key to keep the camshaft in the correct position relative to the engine block. This alignment is necessary for the camshaft to accurately control the opening and closing of the valves, which directly impacts the engine’s performance and efficiency. Any misalignment can lead to valve timing issues, affecting the engine’s combustion process ².

Connecting Rod and Piston

In the connecting rod and piston assembly, the Plain Woodruff Key ensures that the connecting rod is properly aligned with the crankshaft journal. This alignment is essential for the smooth transfer of motion from the piston to the crankshaft, reducing the risk of mechanical stress and potential failure ³.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft, a central component in the engine, depends on the Plain Woodruff Key for maintaining the correct positioning of various crankshaft components. This includes the alignment of the crankshaft pulley, harmonic balancer, and other accessories. Accurate alignment prevents undue stress on the crankshaft bearings and ensures consistent engine operation ³.

Cylinder Head

In the cylinder head assembly, the Plain Woodruff Key is used to align the camshaft with the valve train components. This precise alignment is necessary for the proper functioning of the valve springs, lifters, and rocker arms, ensuring optimal airflow into and out of the combustion chambers ³.

Injector

For fuel injection systems, the Plain Woodruff Key helps in aligning the injector pump with the engine’s timing mechanism. This ensures that fuel is delivered at the correct moment in the engine cycle, enhancing combustion efficiency and overall engine performance ³.

Engine Crankshaft

The engine crankshaft, integral to the engine’s operation, uses the Plain Woodruff Key to secure various components such as the flywheel and vibration damper. This alignment is crucial for maintaining the crankshaft’s balance and reducing vibrations, which can otherwise lead to premature wear and decreased engine lifespan ³.

Conclusion

In summary, the Part 3094027 Plain Woodruff Key plays a role in ensuring the precise alignment and secure fitting of various engine components. Its application across different parts of the engine highlights its importance in maintaining engine performance and reliability.