Eagle Crankshaft Identification. Ways To Identify The Eagle Products

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Have you recently bought an Eagle crankshaft online? And now you probably doubt its genuineness or struggle to identify the crankshaft. Did it come in an Eagle package? Is it forged, billet, or cast Eagle crankshaft? Do you see any numbers or a logo on the crankshaft? It is hard to differentiate a genuine product from a fake product. Identifying and verifying whether the Eagle crankshaft you ordered is genuine can be a daunting task. 

Eagle produces high-quality crankshafts. Due to its commitment to quality, Eagle crankshafts are the most sought-after aftermarket crankshafts. Besides, Eagle's crankshaft is quite expensive. For that reason, some rogue individuals resort to copying Eagle crankshaft to cash in on Eagle’s limelight. 

If there are many fakes on the market, how can one tell an original Eagle crankshaft from a fake? Don’t be overwhelmed. We are here to guide you. Read on to understand how you can identify an Eagle crankshaft and other eagle products. 

Eagle Crankshaft

A crankshaft is the core structure of the internal combustion engine (ICE). It supports motion in the ICE by converting the linear motion produced by the piston into a rotational motion. Ideally, manufacturers create crankshafts with excellent fatigue or performance strength since crankshafts go through extreme stress to power the engine. Manufacturers use materials with outstanding wear resistance. For instance, Eagle uses steel instead of iron on all its crankshafts.

Main components of a crankshaft

Counterweights 

These are weights placed on the opposite side of the conrod journal to counterbalance the piston and rod's weight. They balance out the weight and the reaction resulting from the rotation of the piston and rods. Manufacturers mount counterweights on the crank web. Their sizes and weight often vary. 

Crank webs

Crank web provides the connection point that connects the crankshaft and the crankpin allowing the crankshaft to connect to the main bearing journal. 

Crankpin/ Rod bearing journal 

Allows connecting rods to connect to the crankshaft. 

Main bearing journal

It is the primary connecting rod. It holds the crankshaft inside the engine. The main bearing allows the crankshaft to rotate while in the engine. 

Eagle produces a variety of crankshafts. They produce stock replacement, performance, and racing crankshafts. Eagle designs its stock crankshaft to control loads produced by a stock engine. The high-performance crankshaft can control higher revolutions per minute (RPM) and loads produced by a high-performance engine without failing. 

Is There a Way One Can identify an Eagle Crankshaft?

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All Eagle products have an Eagle logo. The logo is an image of an eagle with its wings spread. A genuine Eagle crankshaft should have the company’s logo, stamped date, and a part number.

To verify whether your crankshaft is a genuine Eagle crankshaft, look at the front counterweight. A legit Eagle crankshaft has the company's logo, stamped date, and a part number on the front counterweight showing the type of the crankshaft, stroke, and rod length. For simplicity's sake, let's use the following part number- 30230005090 found on 3000'' stroke forged 4340 steel crankshafts. As shown by the manufacturer's part number (3000) stands for the stroke, and the last four figures (5090) represent the rod length. The 3000" forged 4340 steel crankshaft has a minimum rod length of 5.09". If the front counterweight is facing you the part number should be on the far right, the logo in the middle, and the stamped date on the far left. 

Look for serial numbers on the packaging. Authentic spare parts often come with serial numbers. Use the serial numbers to identify and verify whether it is a genuine Eagle product or not. 

Check whether there is a QR code on the package. Scan the code to identify and verify whether it is an authentic Eagle crankshaft. 

There are other subtle ways to identify a fake crankshaft. Look out for the following red flags:

  • Any awkward phrases or misspellings on the package. 
  • Check the 'made in' label. 
  • The quality of finishing and asymmetry in your crankshaft can also tell whether the crankshaft is fake or not. Eagle crankshafts have top-notch finishings, and they are symmetrical. If your crankshaft exhibits any form of asymmetry, then it is a knock-off. 
  • Color and design can also tell whether the crankshaft is a fake. If your crank looks dull or slightly off, then there is a high chance it is fake. 
  • The price difference. A slight discount is okay. But an Eagle crankshaft sold at an excessive discount probably is a fake. 

Alternatively, you can contact Eagle when in doubt. Ask about the crankshaft, part numbers or send them pictures of the crankshaft. Do not forget to give them the serial number on the package. 

Eagle builds cast steel, forged 4130 and 4340 steel, and 4340 billet steel crankshafts.

Forged 4340 steel crankshaft 

It is the strongest forged crankshaft produced by the company. Instead of aggressively stretching and squeezing the crankshaft to its final shape, Eagle opted to use the non-twisting forging method. The method reduces the internal stress on the metal's grain structure, therefore producing a high-strength crankshaft. Eagle designed the forged 4340 steel crankshaft for high-performance use. If you want a lightly affordable crankshaft with the highest strength, Eagle forged 4340 steel crankshaft is the best choice for your engine. 

Forged 4140 steel crankshaft 

Eagle’s forged 4140 steel crankshaft is a tad bit weaker than the forged 4340 steel crankshafts but significantly stronger than the cast steel crankshaft. The 4140 steel crankshaft good option if you are looking for a pocket-friendly high-performance crankshaft. Eagle designed forged 4140 steel crankshafts to handle high performance, torque, and horsepower. Hence, it can comfortably handle load produced by high-performance engines. 

Eagle’s cast steel crankshaft 

Eagle uses steel to make its cast crankshaft. The company produces the most reliable and affordable cast crankshafts. Compared to iron, cast steel crankshaft exhibits superior durability and strength. Cast steel crankshaft is the best alternative if you cannot snug yourself a billet or forged crankshaft. It is a step up from the factory-built cast iron crankshaft. The steel makes the crankshaft slightly stronger and is the most preferred aftermarket cast crankshaft. 

However, the cast crankshafts are susceptible to breakages or failure when used in high-powered engines. 

Eagle’s Billet 4340 steel Crankshaft 

Eagle create billet crankshafts from a chunk of steel or high-strength steel alloy. The billet machining process is less intrusive compared to the forging process. The machine without ant restrains cuts through the chunk of steel causing less residual stress on the steel making billet crank the strongest. No wonder, they are widely used in top fuel dragsters and drag racers. They are quite expensive due to their machining process. If you intend to switch to a billet 4340 crankshaft, be ready to part with $1600 to $2,000.

The machining process affects the sturdiness of the crankshaft. Eagle does not create its crankshaft with equal strength and functionality. So how do you differentiate Eagle's cast, billet, and forged crankshaft? 

Is It Possible to Visually Identify a Crankshaft Machining Process? 

Eagle uses steel and steel alloys on all its crankshaft. So, how will you figure out whether your crankshaft is a forged, cast, or billet crankshaft? 

Since crankshaft builders use a mold to shape cast crankshaft, they have very defined and symmetrical parting lines when put side to side with a forged or billet crankshaft. Forged crankshafts tend to have irregular and rough parting lines that seem more like a smear. 

Another way to spot the difference is by looking at the size of the parting line. A wider parting line means the crankshaft is a forged crankshaft. If the parting line is narrow, then it is a cast crankshaft.

You can also spot a cast or a forged crankshaft by looking for raised letters or markings on the crankshaft. Most cast crankshafts including Eagle's cast crankshaft have raised letters or markings on the crankshaft. Forged and billet Eagle crankshafts have markings that sink into the crankshaft. 

Lastly, use the ringing test to assess if you have a forged or cast crankshaft. Hit the crankshaft with a hammer or wrench. If the crankshaft produces a ring sound it means the material on the crankshaft is solid. It should sound like a ringing bell. If the sound produced is more of a thud than a ring, then the crankshaft might be a cast crankshaft. 

Billets are heavier and look more defined than forged. The price tag sets billet crankshaft apart from other crankshafts. It has a glossy finishing and produces a ‘loud ringing bell’ sound when hit with a hammer or a wrench. 

Summary

Eagle crankshafts look very defined and with good finishings. The company spends more time on the finishing and quality control. Eagle uses steel on all its crankshafts to provide excellent durability and performance. Hence, it’s the most preferred aftermarket crankshaft. It is not surprising why unscrupulous dealers sell fakes to unsuspecting clients. Always buy your crankshaft from reputable stores and dealers.


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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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