Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Kuleke · Joined: 18 Oct 2012 Posts: 5

Hello,

I'm a final year University student and my project is on adapting a classic MG sports car to work with modern fuels. We have been supplied with an XPAG engine and the current task is mounting it on one of the test rigs available. After mounting, we will be thinking of ways to start it. But more importantly, due to health and safety, we will need to be able to start it remotely i.e. from a control room outside where the test rigs are. Any general pointers would be appreciated. I will post more questions and information as the project develops over the coming months.

Thank you very much.

roverdriver · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 9:05 am Post subject:

The engine will run on 'modern' fuels without any problem anyway, however if you must persist, remote stating is pretty obvious.
I would have thought that a final year student would realise that 'remote' starting is what happens when the engine is in the car. A simple extension of wiring from the starter solenoid to your remote location is all that you would need.

You might feel that some linkages to throttle and choke (if not automatic) could be considered as well.
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22449 Location: UK

Is this to test the effects of Ethanol on an engine and its ancillaries, ahead of when E10-rated fuel comes in next year?

RJ
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Kuleke · Joined: 18 Oct 2012 Posts: 5

Kuleke · Joined: 18 Oct 2012 Posts: 5

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:09 pm Post subject:

Is there a starter motor ?

You will need a starter solenoid. A battery. A cable from the battery to the "remote bomb proof bunker" then via a switch and back to the coil.

Two lengths of rope, and an assortment of pulleys so you can operate the choke and the throttle from the bunker.

However, how you remotely adjust the carb, so as to get the thing to run properly is beyond me. Then there are trivial things such as getting rid of the exhaust fumes, keeping a stationary engine cool enough and warm enough to mimic real driving and also changing the load applied to the engine, as that will 100% affect your readings.

Oh nearly forgot, you may need a remote tacho, air temp gauge, water temp gauge, exhaust gas monitor and torque measuring device as the varying data from these will be needed to be computed into your findings.

I am sure there are things I have forgot, but our legion of members are sure to fill in the gaps.

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4105 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

You want to look for a Lucas M35G-1 starter motor, this will fit the XPAG engine, they were fitted to many other engines so quite common and can be picked up second hand for a few quid.

Dave

Salopian · Joined: 05 Jan 2010 Posts: 354 Location: Newport Shropshire

I have to say the XPAG in my MG TD runs fine on modern fuel - in fact has run fine on all the fuels I've put in it since acquired in 1972. Had no unleaded or ethanol problems yet but will cross that bridge when I come to it. Covered a great number of miles as well.
Same applies to the Alvis - have I just been lucky?.
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Kuleke · Joined: 18 Oct 2012 Posts: 5

Kuleke · Joined: 18 Oct 2012 Posts: 5

Peter_L · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 3:07 pm Post subject:

Hi Kuleke. As I am sure you will have noticed by now, this forum is never short of opinions, ideas and suggestions.

Photos of the engine/rig would be of interest.

exbmc · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject: test bed

You shouldn't need to bother with a dummy bonnet. If the set-up is a proper test cell, with either inlet or extract fans and vents, there will be ample air movement around the engine. The coolant temperature may be controlled by running the standard radiator, and varying the position of a cooling fan until acceptable control is established. Ideally, the coolant will be directed to a heat exchanger, which is fed process water at a regulated rate to maintain 85--90 degrees. The oil temperature will probably be ok, but an external cooler can be fitted if it rises too much. It all depends of course, how severe the test cycle is that you use. You should have a throttle motor to set the carb for where you need it. You may find, an engine indoors will not require a choke to fire up. If it does, you could just use a length of wire and pull it manually, while standing at the rear of the rig. Hardly worth mechanizing something you will need only briefly.
If health and safety is a major issue, you only enter the cell with the engine at idle, to make adjustments, then ramp it up again when you are outside.

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

I'd put a TD on a rolling road.
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Jim.Walker · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 1229 Location: Chesterfield

I am rather puzzled why/how tests on a 70 years old engine will produce results significant to the present day?
I am sure the engine would be better preserved for classical use or posterity.
Jim.
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P3steve · Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 7:02 am Post subject:

I have been reading with interest the replies to this and it makes me think back to my time at Tech collage doing my city and guilds in motor vehicles. We had a fully equipped workshop there but also an engine test area with half a dozen engines in test rigs and even a Triumph herald rolling chassis which was drivable and I seem to recall in mint condition, there was petrol and diesel engines in all shapes and sizes but the prize for me was a Daimler V8 4 ½ lt from a Majestic Major I believe all. These engines as I said were on test beds with remote starting panels with all the switch gear and gauges. The point is I cant understand why an establishment like a university hasn’t got at least some basic facilities or some one in the know.
By the way it was North Notts collage of FE in Mansfield
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