ErikBolyard
Member
17, near 18 year old engine enthusiast here. I’m working on my second engine build (first internal combustion) — a horizontal, open crankshaft, 4 stroke ICE. The plans are Jerry Howell’s “Powerhouse” 4 cycle engine.
I’m a relatively slow worker when it comes to this sort of project, so it could take me up to a year or two to get the engine up and running.
Most of my time so far has been spent remodeling the engine in Fusion 360, in order to understand operation and the scope of the project. That includes making my own component drawings, even though the original plans come with relatively clear drawings. It’s a great opportunity for me to get more experience in CAD and preparing drawings with manufacturability in mind.
I’m just getting started with the actual machining of the parts, and I decided to start by first tackling the throttle / carburetor assembly. So far I’ve finished the “throttle body” (which is also where the Venturi effect takes place, creating the fuel-air mixture).
Next are some various knobs for speed / mixture adjustment, the "fuel spray bar", and the air cleaner.
After the throttle assembly is complete, I plan to tackle the cylinder and cylinder head next. These two components are far from simple (at least for someone with my level of experience), so I want to get them out of the way before moving on to something a little less complicated. That way, I won't have a plethora of frustrating parts to greet me at the end of the build.
I'm hoping to get as much done this summer before I head off to study Mechanical Engineering this fall. I felt as though I would share my process with the members of HMEM, most of whom are much more experienced than me. I will likely be asking questions and requesting advice every step of the way. I'm hoping to learn a lot and have quite a bit of fun with this build!
I’m a relatively slow worker when it comes to this sort of project, so it could take me up to a year or two to get the engine up and running.
Most of my time so far has been spent remodeling the engine in Fusion 360, in order to understand operation and the scope of the project. That includes making my own component drawings, even though the original plans come with relatively clear drawings. It’s a great opportunity for me to get more experience in CAD and preparing drawings with manufacturability in mind.
I’m just getting started with the actual machining of the parts, and I decided to start by first tackling the throttle / carburetor assembly. So far I’ve finished the “throttle body” (which is also where the Venturi effect takes place, creating the fuel-air mixture).
Next are some various knobs for speed / mixture adjustment, the "fuel spray bar", and the air cleaner.
After the throttle assembly is complete, I plan to tackle the cylinder and cylinder head next. These two components are far from simple (at least for someone with my level of experience), so I want to get them out of the way before moving on to something a little less complicated. That way, I won't have a plethora of frustrating parts to greet me at the end of the build.
I'm hoping to get as much done this summer before I head off to study Mechanical Engineering this fall. I felt as though I would share my process with the members of HMEM, most of whom are much more experienced than me. I will likely be asking questions and requesting advice every step of the way. I'm hoping to learn a lot and have quite a bit of fun with this build!
Last edited:
