CONTACT:
Charles Roberts
Spark Ignition Engines
(210) 522-5521
E-mail: Charles Roberts

KEY TERMS:
engine
development
engine testing
performance 
testing
performance
development
engine 
benchmarking
valve deposits
pleasure boats
ultra low 
emissions
small engine
generator set
testing

Spark Ignition Engines Project Brief Marine Engine & Drive Comparison

Reference:  03- 3329

Client:         Commercial Confidential

Duration:     Six Months

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) performed an evaluation for a manufacturer of pleasure boat engines and drives. The purpose of the project was to compare this manufacturer’s products with those of a competitor. SwRI was selected to perform this work to obtain a nonbiased evaluation with a higher degree of data accuracy than any previously reported results. Engines were subjected to a short break-in and examined for compliance to manufacturer’s tune up specifications. Power and fuel consumption curves were then generated from data acquired in a dynamometer test cell. 

The boat pictured is a similar craft to the actual vessel used during lake testing.

Following the engine dyno tests, engines and drives were tested sequentially in a 23-foot cabin cruiser on a lake in south Texas. Various acceleration, time to plane, fuel consumption, noise, and vibration tests were performed. None of the three engines tested produced full manufacturer’s advertised rated power although one came much closer than the other two. Various differences in acceleration, time to plane, and steady-state fuel consumption were documented with the seven combinations of engines, drives, and propellers tested.

Please browse this web site to see the full capabilities and experience of SwRI and the Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division. Then give us an opportunity to become an extension of your engineering department. E-mail Charles Roberts or call him at (210) 522-5521 for more information.

  
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Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.