Another Addition To My Herd

[Handy Don 14,697]

1 hour ago, Achto said:

 

He did say that the engine was not exactly happy about the whole affair. 

I've never seen that one either. And yeah, I’d say only the last couple years of short or “mid" frames with a 10 or 12hp would be able to run that

[WHX?? 52,948]

Yeah look what HP they use to spin a 42 nowadays ... 18 - 20 twins and they used a 10 back in '65. 

[kpinnc 15,728]

30 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Yeah look what HP they use to spin a 42 nowadays ... 18 - 20 twins and they used a 10 back in '65. 

 

Leaded gas, cast iron block, and a flywheel that weights more than the whole engine nowadays. Definitely made a difference! 

[Handy Don 14,697]

10 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

Leaded gas, cast iron block, and a flywheel that weights more than the whole engine nowadays. Definitely made a difference! 

 (sorta?!)

Leaded gas achieved higher octane via the (highly toxic) lead. Unleaded does it using other (less toxic) additives. Energy content is close to the same. That said, the higher the octane the higher the compression ratio can be without engine knock. But do newer engines have lower compression? I don’t know. 

The heavier flywheel is, I agree, a big factor in smoothing out load variations, but something had to build and sustain the momentum!

I think the biggest factor is rate of fuel consumption as part of driving down emissions. I believe that less fuel consumed is not fully offset by increased efficiency so there is a net loss of usable power. 

That said, IMHO, the single main factor is that consumers are more number conscious than ever (BIGGER is BETTER!). Higher horsepower must be better! My guess is that most of these 18-25 horse units are just not really using the horsepower.  

 

[kpinnc 15,728]

6 hours ago, Handy Don said:

I believe that less fuel consumed is not fully offset by increased efficiency so there is a net loss of usable power. 

That said, IMHO, the single main factor is that consumers are more number conscious than ever (BIGGER is BETTER!). Higher horsepower must be better! My guess is that most of these 18-25 horse units are just not really using the horsepower.  

 

Agreed. I also think cast iron blocks deliver more power just through rigidity to a point. 

 

Again, it's multiple little things adding up to a bigger total. No doubt that newer designs are more efficient. My 23hp Vanguard uses about the same fuel as my K181 8hp at full throttle. Fuel mix ratios definitely can result in smoother running on the old Kohlers, but being too rich or lean on newer engines may keep them from running at all!