Engine Test Stand
 

I'm getting ready to try to fire up an old OS .60FP for the first time in close to 20 years. I need a test stand as testing it on the model is not feasible. I can handle building it and mounting the engine/fuel tank, etc. What are y'all doing for throttle controls though? Just rigging up a lever control I guess? Anyone care to share some pics of your test rigs?

Dave

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Universal, free standing, no need to clamp it to picnic tables or chairs. Throttle control is a long wire pushrod with a clevis at the engine end and an elastic band at the other wrapped around the pipe support, very simple.


Ed S

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...DCP_3346-1.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...DCP_3345-1.jpg

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Very nice! I was planning a wooden construction as my metalworking skills leave something to be desired, but had a more or less similar plan in mind. I like the idea of your throttle control though. Thanks for sharing!

Dave

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Dave:

I haven't used a test stand in years but when I did I hooked up a servo and old Rx and ran it from a radio. Worked
really well when I used it. Sorry, it has been so long I don't have a picture but I remember the servo just fit in a piece
of aluminum "U" channel I got at Lowe's.

Dan

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Thats kind of the reason testing out the engine on the model is not really an option. The only radio system I own is an old Airtronics Vanguard (not a bad piece in it's day) that hasn't been touched in about 20 years. I don't know if it even still works, I've long since lost the chargers, and the batteries probably wouldn't take a charge anyway.

Dave

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Here's something I drew up (not my design, just my interpretation) but never built. Servo for the throttle...


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h4.../TestStand.jpg

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

I have a PSPtest stand, mounted on a piece of plywood, which I clamp into a B&D workmate. Great system.

http://www.pspmfg.com/RCEngineTestStand.html

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

I built this as a permanent stand for the club field.

All a member needed was his own piece of 3/4" ply that had the mount for his engine attached to it. My small engine plate had four different size plastic mounts permantently bolted on it- to change engine sizes I just rotated the plate on the main stand.

Construction was out of 2 x 4's and some srap 1/4" ply. By pulling the bolts on the top of the metal straps the unit would fold down flat. There were two clips on the oposite side of the base to hold the re-bar stakes as well as a carry handle.

It was built to handle upto a 100 CC engine.

I used a simple lever throttle at first, but latter used a servo and a home brewed servo driver- no need for a transmitter pin.


Mark D

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

I clamp my stand to my workmate... for the throttle i took and old comb.. knocked out every other tooth and screwed it the test stand. Bend the throttle pushrod to a Z bend. shape and I just lay the rod in the missing tooth section of the comb where needed. Saw this tip from waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in RCM.

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Nice looking stands guys. I did build one, similar in layout to MarkD's, but a little more down-n-dirty in construction. I found it too light and unstable and would up strapping it to a couple cinder blocks. Other than that it works out great. I'll try to get a couple pics up.
Also happy to report that old engine fired up without a whole lot of trouble and ran great. Looks like I'll be able to use it.

Dave

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Good news re: the engine. Time to fly! :)

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Some interesting stands here. Quite innovative too.
This engine stand thread made me recall a videoclip that circulated a while back of a guy testing an engine, clamping the stand to a wooden rail on a porch - the clamp slipped off and the engine and stand lurched forward causing chaos...... Anybody remembering that videoclip?

Cheers

Bundu

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

Here is mine. Is tested up to 0.61 so far, no problem of any sort.

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

I wrap the fuel tank to the base with rubber bands and run a music wire throttle control rod through the rubber bands.  Keeps enough friction & tension on to hold settings and is cheap, infinately adjustable and easy.  My "test stands" are 1" x 4" x 18" +/- planks with a cut-out for the engine.  I clamp them to a sawhorse or the lower deck (I learned to keep oil & fuel off the deck proper or THE ADMIRAL gets testy).  For gas I bolt a piece of 2" x 6" to a vertical deck post.

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

one thing about test stands for breaking in engines is that the latest talk is that test/breakin stands are not good for engines. except the PSP vibration mount stand that simulates the engine mounted in an air frame. DLE and several other say dont break in an engine on a stand.

The thoughts are that a heavy aluminum mount that mounted to a heavy base doesnt allow the engine to rock and vibrate the same as mounted in a light weight air frame. the engine will be broken in with no movement then ran in an airframe that allows the engine to move a lot.

Do as you wish because its just a hobby. if i was competting with an engine though i would surley break it in the way i was going to run it.

RE: Engine Test Stand
 

I use soft wire with a Z bend for the throttle, it stays where you leave it. It is a bit longer than needed. The commercial stand I had didn't accept mufflers so I made another one. See if I can load a pic.