200714
Offset Woodruff Key
Cummins®

The Offset Woodruff Key, identified by Part #200714, is a specialized component utilized in mechanical systems, particularly within the context of heavy-duty trucks. This key plays a significant role in ensuring the proper functioning and alignment of various engine and transmission components. Cummins, a renowned manufacturer in the automotive industry, produces this part, leveraging its expertise in diesel engines and related components to deliver reliable and high-performance solutions ¹.

Basic Concepts

An Offset Woodruff Key is a type of key used in mechanical systems to secure components within a keyway. Its design features a semicircular cross-section, which allows it to fit snugly into a matching keyway cut into a shaft or hub. This fit ensures that the components remain aligned and do not rotate relative to each other, which is crucial for the efficient operation of mechanical systems. The keyway is a slot cut into the shaft or hub, specifically designed to accommodate the Woodruff Key, enhancing the mechanical integrity of the assembly ².

Purpose of the Offset Woodruff Key

In the operation of a truck, the Offset Woodruff Key serves a vital function by ensuring proper alignment and preventing rotational movement between mating parts. This is particularly important in engine components and transmission systems, where precise alignment is necessary for optimal performance. By securing components in place, the Offset Woodruff Key contributes to the smooth and efficient operation of the truck’s mechanical systems ³.

Key Features

The Offset Woodruff Key is characterized by its unique offset design, which allows for precise alignment of components. It is typically made from high-quality materials, such as alloy steel, to ensure durability and resistance to wear. The dimensional specifications of the key are tailored to fit specific applications, ensuring a secure and reliable connection between components. These features contribute to the functionality and longevity of the Offset Woodruff Key in demanding truck applications ⁴.

Benefits

The use of an Offset Woodruff Key in truck applications offers several advantages. It enhances the reliability of mechanical systems by ensuring components remain securely in place. This results in improved performance and reduced maintenance requirements, as the key helps prevent issues related to misalignment and wear. Additionally, the durability of the Offset Woodruff Key contributes to the overall efficiency and longevity of the truck, making it a valuable component in heavy-duty applications ¹.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation of the Offset Woodruff Key is crucial for its effectiveness. This involves ensuring the key is correctly aligned within the keyway and secured with the appropriate torque specifications. Routine maintenance and inspection are recommended to ensure the key remains in good condition and continues to perform its function effectively. Common issues may include wear or damage to the key or keyway, which can be addressed through inspection and replacement if necessary ².

Cummins Overview

Cummins Inc. is a leading manufacturer of diesel engines and related components, with a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1919, Cummins has a long history of providing reliable and high-performance solutions for the automotive industry. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in its products, including the Offset Woodruff Key, which is designed to meet the demanding requirements of heavy-duty truck applications ¹.

Offset Woodruff Key 200714 Compatibility with Cummins Engines

The Offset Woodruff Key, part number 200714, manufactured by Cummins, is a critical component designed to ensure the proper alignment and smooth operation of various engine parts. This part is essential in maintaining the integrity of the engine’s rotational components, preventing misalignment that could lead to premature wear or failure ¹.

K38 Engines

In the K38 engine series, the Offset Woodruff Key 200714 plays a pivotal role in the engine’s operation. It is typically used to secure the connection between the crankshaft and other rotating components, ensuring that they rotate in unison. This synchronization is vital for the engine’s efficiency and longevity. The key’s offset design allows for precise alignment, reducing the risk of slippage and ensuring that the engine operates smoothly under various conditions ¹.

K50 Engines

Similarly, in the K50 engine series, the Offset Woodruff Key 200714 is integral to the engine’s design. This part is used to maintain the alignment between the crankshaft and other rotating assemblies, such as pulleys and gears. The key’s robust construction and precise fit are essential for withstanding the high stresses and torques encountered during engine operation. Its use in the K50 series ensures that the engine maintains optimal performance and reliability over time ¹.

Grouping of Engines

When considering the compatibility of the Offset Woodruff Key 200714 across different Cummins engines, it is important to note that this part is designed to fit within specific engine configurations. The key’s design and dimensions are tailored to ensure a secure fit and proper function within the K38 and K50 engine series. This compatibility is achieved through rigorous engineering and testing, ensuring that the key meets the stringent requirements of Cummins engines ¹.

By understanding the role of the Offset Woodruff Key 200714 in these engines, technicians and engineers can better appreciate its importance in maintaining engine performance and reliability.

Role of Part 200714 Offset Woodruff Key in Engine Systems

The Part 200714 Offset Woodruff Key is integral to the secure and efficient operation of various engine components. Its primary function is to prevent rotational movement between mating parts, ensuring that components remain aligned and operate synchronously ³.

Integration with Camshafts

In engine systems, the Offset Woodruff Key is employed in the camshaft assembly. It fits into a keyway cut into the camshaft and mates with a corresponding slot in the camshaft gear or sprocket. This setup is vital for maintaining the precise timing of valve operation in relation to the crankshaft ³.

Application in Camshaft and Gear Assemblies

When considering the camshaft and gear assembly, the Offset Woodruff Key ensures that the camshaft gear remains fixed in position relative to the camshaft. This is essential for the accurate transmission of motion from the camshaft to the valve train, which in turn affects the engine’s performance and efficiency ³.

Usage in Left and Right Bank Camshafts

For engines with multiple camshafts, such as those found in V-configuration engines, the Offset Woodruff Key is used in both the left bank camshaft and the right bank camshaft. This application ensures that each camshaft operates in harmony with its corresponding cylinder bank, contributing to balanced engine operation and performance ³.

Role in Turbocharger Conversion Kits

In turbocharger conversion kits, the Offset Woodruff Key may be utilized in the camshaft assembly to accommodate the increased airflow and altered timing requirements of a turbocharged engine. This ensures that the camshaft remains securely in place, even under the heightened stress and RPMs associated with forced induction ³.

Importance in Performance Parts

For performance parts, including high-performance camshafts (both left bank and right bank), the Offset Woodruff Key plays a significant role. It ensures that the enhanced camshaft profiles designed for improved engine performance are accurately transmitted to the valve train, without any slippage or misalignment ³.

General Application in Engine Kits

In various engine kits, the Offset Woodruff Key is a common component. It is used to secure the camshaft within the engine block or cylinder head, ensuring that the camshaft’s rotational motion is precisely transferred to the valve train components. This is fundamental for the engine’s overall performance, durability, and reliability ³.

Conclusion

The Offset Woodruff Key, though a small component, is essential for the secure and efficient operation of engine systems. Its role in maintaining the alignment and timing of critical engine components underscores its importance in both standard and performance engine configurations. Proper installation, maintenance, and understanding of its application across different engine types are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of heavy-duty trucks ¹²³⁴.