Why bother with a stroker? Our new engine designer is adding a slight stroke adjustment to get the best size and cylinder environment for methane fuel.
Why not turn the engine a bit faster and gearing the rpm down to 1800? This is a consideration.
The generators are single bearing and use the fly wheel and rear main bearing as the second bearing (common in gen design). The down side of higher RPM is a redesign of the Genset plus higher rpm is additional wear and tear on the engine.
This system needs to run 24/7 360 days per year. We planned for annual rebuilds of the valve heads. The bottom end can be rebuilt as needed. We are using 8 gallons of oil recirculation through the pan at approx 220°f – 225°f.
The first engine was at 15:1 compression, with a serious miss design on the cam. This engine didn’t last long: Detonation, unburned fuel out the exhaust valve, stretched main bolts, pitted pistons, etc. a real mess. Needless to say the first engine builder is off the project.
We are trying a new approach with lower compression, small stroke, custom cam, custom valve head assembly with extra lubrication, guides, stelite, spring change.
Hopeful the new engine shop will have success, the builder has 45 yrs with speed and some time on low end high torque applications. No telling until we dyno the engine using methane to model the end fuel BTU. We use a NG venturi with electronic A/F regulator that uses O2 sensor and exhaust heat to manage fuel and emissions for California. A Continental Controls system
I should know by Wednesday and will report back. Emission are a result of the first engine design failures. I won’t bore you. I’ll let you know the results off the newest design.
This application is generation using oil field waste gas as fuel for rich burn IC engines. Making electricity to run electric motors on the oil wells. Tough environment. I don’t know if the ford can handle it. Lots of mixed reviews.
I’ll update every one interested later this week.
