Yes, definitely thinking of building something to run and tune an engine for an extended period of time. Especially now that I have aquired 4 engines this year! I have some work to do!!!Here's a question. Would you want it with a radiator/cooling system, full fuel system, gauges, etc, so you can run it for extended periods? That would be a nice way to tune it, perform the heat cycles for a head retorque, check for leaks after getting to full operating temp, etc. Therefore the stand will need to be a little larger to accommodate these extra things.
Here's a question. Would you want it with a radiator/cooling system, full fuel system, gauges, etc, so you can run it for extended periods? That would be a nice way to tune it, perform the heat cycles for a head retorque, check for leaks after getting to full operating temp, etc. Therefore the stand will need to be a little larger to accommodate these extra things.
That's the trade off; the size of the stand can get quite large by the time you add several features to it. So depending on how often you will actually use it, it may become more of a storage issue than it is worth. In one of those threads I referenced someone suggested to just drop the engine into the car to do all of your testing. In many cases that may be more practical (although it would be nice to work on it completely exposed). I've debated if it might be better to build an improved engine/trans installation rig than a test stand. In other words make it much easier to get the powertrain in and out of the car; my current method works but isn't great.If space is not an issue
Same here. What I need to improve is the way I lift the car to get the drivetrain/roller-cart under it. I've been using a cherry picker but it gets in the way. I need to build a frame for my hoist so I can lift it from above.I use a "stand" very much like the one Don built (above) to remove and install the drivetrain.
It looks like the stand that Jon built might accommodate a SOHC engine too. But the front of the SOHC engine would be at the other end. Makes sense as the rad hoses would be at opposite ends of the two engines. And, there looks to be a bar up high to mount the dog bone engine mount as well. Also looks like it's wide enough to mount the lower crossmember too.does anyone have a design to build an Engine Test Stand for an X1/9 1500 engine? Like Jon Logan built?
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I like your idea of making it break down. I was looking at a few examples online and I think it could be "modular". With the basic engine stand being the base and a attachable second module for the radiator, fuel tank/pump, battery/ignition, control panel, etc, all on one "bolt on" frame. The base could be similar to something like that Honda one or the Fiat one you showed earlier, including the transmission:I think we are going to build something like this. Perhaps even bolt the base together so it can be broken down when not in use:
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That's exactly how I do it. Most of my DIY projects are made from scraps that I have laying around or from the "remnants" pile at the metal yard. And my designs usually change as I progress through them.@Dr.Jeff yes, this is the direction we are headed! We have a local metal supply shop that sells "odds & ends" at a discount, so I think my son & I will head there in the coming weeks. This will mostly likely be another of our Design on the Fly projects!
If I make one I don't think I'd try to create an elaborate control panel. Things like oil pressure and coolant temp can be checked with simple mechanical gauges connected directly to the engine via short hoses. The RPM's can be monitored with a typical "Tach/Dwell" meter clipped onto a plug wire.