Engine test Stand
 

Can anyone help? I would like to build an engine test stand to run engines in after a rebuild (out of the car). These would be carburated engines. Has anyone done this? I've checked the archives but nothing comes up. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Paul

Re: Engine test Stand
 

Dont you have an engine dyno close? If you are going to go through the trouble of building a stand, fuel system, cooling system, electronics system, and exhaust system, why not spend less money and get some good data from an engine dyno?

Andy

Re: Engine test Stand
 

Well, I already have alot of old parts (radiator, iginition, etc). I'm looking to build something where I can run the engine to insure there are no oil, manifold, etc leaks without spending alot of time and money at a dyno shop or putting the engine in the car then needing to take it back out or fight with it to correct any problems. Once it's in the car and all the bugs are out, I'll put it on a chassis dyno

Re: Engine test Stand
 

A buddy just built one this summer for his 460 that went into the motorhome. It was a pain to get that engine in and out of the motorhome, so he too wanted to test it to make sure he did not have any leaks and what not.
What is it specifically u r curious about?
Ryan

Re: Engine test Stand
 

I was mainly looking for what direction to go and later I may need some input on wiring the thing to make it run. PAW does have one in their catalog but its $800. There are a few people on ebay selling plans to build one but the for the better one the guy wants $40 just for the plans. I got a picture on one and think I can build it without to much trouble. Thanks to all for the input

Re: Engine test Stand
 

If you have a welder, telling you about it and maybe a picture.... I can provide.
Ryan

Re: Engine test Stand
 

Ryan

I have a welder. Any suggestions / input welcome. Thx

Re: Engine test Stand
 

Andy's right on here. A typical engine dyno session would only cost you about $500 including setup and tear-down. You'll get a good break-in session along with whatever pulls you want to tune it. I just don't see the benefit of trying to build something yourself and getting so little in return.

Re: Engine test Stand
 

Yet another aspect to consider is that you can't just set an engine on a stand and run it under no load, and expect it to break in properly. You must have a controllable load placed on the engine while it is running. There is where the majority of the $$$ for an engine dynamometer is going towards. If I were you, and I were building enough engines to warrant such a setup, I would just purchase a SuperFlo or something like that.

I fully understand where you're coming from, dude. I thought about building a setup in the same way, but determined it just wudn't worth it.

Re: Engine test Stand
 

I am gona build one summer of 05. Going to use heavy wall square tubeing , hang the engine from a a frame and build it to the hight that I like. Ive help build several from a diesel shop I used to work for. If we had the engine out of a truck or piece of equipment it always got run for at least 30 min to an hour before putting back in. Mainely to check for oil leaks. Man you should here a v12 Cummins on str8 exhust. Any ways I also agree to the dyno aspect of it to. We always chassis dyno the trucks when done. But for first time start up and a little run time, I think a engine test stand is well worth the money and time to build it. JMO