| T O P I C R E V I E W |
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Posted - Jan 10 2003 : 02:02:01 AM
I have 2 engines for my hovercraft project. One is a 5.5hp GTS OHV Toro engine (Vertical) and the other is a Honda 13hp OHV engine (Horizontal), both electric start. I was wondering about turbocharging either of the engines and the efficiancy of doing so. I would also like to know how to add tachs to both engines. I am also debating on the thrust duct on the craft weather to do a ducted fan or a free prop. I should hopefully have a web site up soon with progress.. Any advice would be helpful from anyone
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| Aaron Cake |
Posted - Jan 10 2003 : 09:55:33 AM
quote:
I have 2 engines for my hovercraft project. One is a 5.5hp GTS OHV Toro engine (Vertical) and the other is a Honda 13hp OHV engine (Horizontal), both electric start. I was wondering about turbocharging either of the engines and the efficiancy of doing so.
Well, I had a turbocharger on my lawnmower some years ago, but ended up frying it due to lack of oil. The only real difficulty in turbocharging a lawnmower engine is finding a turbo small enough, and making an oil pump. I have heard of people making oil pumps out of older mechanical fuel pumps (driven by a lobe on the cam). Turbos small enough can be found at most wrecking yards if you look hard enough. You'll need to convert to a float carb (if the engine is not alreay equipped) and use a draw-through system.
Efficiency will be low.
A better idea might be to use the air (smog) pump off a large V8 as a supercharger. Again, you would need a draw through carb setup, but it should be easier then a turbo, and much more efficient at low RPMs.
quote:
I would also like to know how to add tachs to both engines.
Some standard automotive tachs can be set up for single cylinder operation. Check out any auto performance shop for aftermarket tachs. If you want to build it yourself, a small inductive pickup coil can be installed on the spark plug lead, and a frequency to voltage circuit used to drive your meter movement.
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I am also debating on the thrust duct on the craft weather to do a ducted fan or a free prop. I should hopefully have a web site up soon with progress.. Any advice would be helpful from anyone
Definitly go with a ducted fan. Significantly more efficient.
Edited by - Aaron Cake on Jan 10 2003 09:56:14 AM |
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