Noob questions

tigtorch · Jul 5, 2013

I have an idea to build a sort of modern hit and miss engine. I want to use an encoder, a logic chip (like Arduino) and tiny solenoids for valve actuation. I want to use a very large flywheel and want to achieve as infrequent combustion as possible and slow rpm. My questions:

1. Does this even make sense?
2. Has anyone else done this?
3. Would it be possible to achieve enough compression without rings of any type for combustion (i.e. very close but free slip fit)? I don't care about efficiency, smoking, etc.

chrsbrbnk · Jul 5, 2013

yes it would work maybe just use orings instead of rings and its not an irregular ignition in a hit and miss its actually very regular but just is used to govern rpm so yea you would just not close the exhaust and not open the intake until the rpm was low enough the typical encoder is a hall effect sensor

jwcnc1911 · Jul 5, 2013

It does make sense, and gets rid of the pesky hard to make cam.

Check this out:
http://rbowes1.11net.com/dbowes/
but he was trying to see how high rpms he could get. Principle is the same tho.

tigtorch · Jul 5, 2013

Thank you both for your replies. I think I might do this, using the Henry Ford original engine as a basic template. I haven't decided whether to use an Arduino or not, I would like to learn how to program one and it could do all, it could provide adjustable valve timing, when to ignite plug, and could decide when it has slowed enough to even allow combustion at all (i.e. hit and miss). An alternative would be to put in 2:1 gearing with a set of points for the valve solenoids, maybe with a speed sensitive feature to it for the hit and miss action.