- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
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I am no engineer but the various posts on Forums in this Site inspired me to tackle the "Otto" petrol engine designed by Jan Ridders. The build took nine months with a few of the parts having to be remade after silly mistakes.
First, Jan Ridders is a wonderful guy giving freely of advice, encouragement and plans.
Engine capacity is 12cc, fuel is petrol via a glass vapour carburetor. the latter cut from a spice jar. With fresh fuel it will hand start from cold.The fuel pipe is silicon, the first pvc pipe having melted.
My first piston was aluminium and a poor fit. The second followed Jan's advice and made from cast Iron the same as the cylinder. Much better and good compression.
I tried transistor ignition with little success which is not surprising with my poor eyesight. I reverted to a standard ignition triggered by a brass cam on a common reed switch. Works beautifully.
For those interested this is his web site depicting many of his wonderful model engines.
http://ridders.nu/Webpaginas/pagina_overzicht_verbrandingsmotoren/overzicht_frameset.htm.
Now they say a picture speaks a thousand words so attached are some images of the 9 month build plus a final video link of the engine running at about 1800 rpm. https://youtu.be/P_ZHzV8gMDk
If anything I hope this might inspire others with little experience to also have a go. Little compares to the joy when your creation roars into life. The big plus is you have something to share with friends and grandchildren.
Richard Higby - Tasmania
Guys, thank you for your encouraging comments. Appreciated. Cheers Richard
First, Jan Ridders is a wonderful guy giving freely of advice, encouragement and plans.
Engine capacity is 12cc, fuel is petrol via a glass vapour carburetor. the latter cut from a spice jar. With fresh fuel it will hand start from cold.The fuel pipe is silicon, the first pvc pipe having melted.
My first piston was aluminium and a poor fit. The second followed Jan's advice and made from cast Iron the same as the cylinder. Much better and good compression.
I tried transistor ignition with little success which is not surprising with my poor eyesight. I reverted to a standard ignition triggered by a brass cam on a common reed switch. Works beautifully.
For those interested this is his web site depicting many of his wonderful model engines.
http://ridders.nu/Webpaginas/pagina_overzicht_verbrandingsmotoren/overzicht_frameset.htm.
Now they say a picture speaks a thousand words so attached are some images of the 9 month build plus a final video link of the engine running at about 1800 rpm. https://youtu.be/P_ZHzV8gMDk
If anything I hope this might inspire others with little experience to also have a go. Little compares to the joy when your creation roars into life. The big plus is you have something to share with friends and grandchildren.
Richard Higby - Tasmania
Guys, thank you for your encouraging comments. Appreciated. Cheers Richard
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