Sorry, I forgot to include my thoughts. Also, see the video at the bottom of my last post.
Add Exhaust Port 25 A LOT of you pointed out that there was no exhaust port. I was hoping that enough would slip by the piston, but I think you are right. I will drill a hole in the cylinder at the very bottom of the power stroke.
Make Flywheel Bigger 13 Many of you noticed that the flywheel spun partially around and then stopped, when it was trying to open the valves. Very good idea, but I am going to try to solve the problem with new valves that are at least 10 times easier to turn. I think the current flywheel will be able to handle them. If not, I will try a bigger one.
Change Fuel Mixture 12 The valves were actually set on the first engine to have slightly more oxygen than propane, but several of you said it needs to be 10-1, and I will change it to that. Thanks.
Add more gasses 10 A few of you thought that there were not enough gasses being let into the cylinder, with each cycle. I am worried about this too. I am changing to a cam system that will hold the valves open for more of the cycle, but worry that the torch heads will not allow enough flow to support continous explosions.
Change Timing 5 Some noticed that the timing was not optimal. The spark should happen at top dead center and the fuel should be let in right after exhaust. I added a cam system to allow optimum timing.
Use air, not oxygen 3 Air is about 20% oxygen, and that is the only part of air that combustion uses. An oxygen tank was only $8. An air tank would have been $50, and I would have had to pump it up. There are those little spray air cans, but no way to hook pipe to them.
This is a 2-cycle engine 2 Yes, I thought this would be easier than a 4-cycle, to build
Replace grill igniter with… 2 A few are concerned that the grill igniter will not be able to spark fast enough. Hmm. It is pretty fast. I will leave it for now and fix other stuff first. I may have to change it later
Add Cooling 2 A couple people thought that when this engine does start running, it will heat up and leak badly or seize up. I have plans to add a 1/4" copper pipe water cooling system, but wanted to get it running at all, first
Stabilize Connecting Rod 1 Some of you noticed that the connecting rod was pretty loose in the cylinder. I will add a 1" to 1/2" copper pipe adapter to guide the 3/8" rod.
Add a kill switch 1 A few of you thought ahead to when this engine actually starts running and worry that I could not stop it, if it started going too fast and parts started flying off! Good point. I actually have one. I can turn the battery off to the spark.
Make Cylinder Stronger 1 One person is worried the cylinder could explode. So far, so good. I hope not !!
Publish Email 1 One person wanted my email address to send me a PDF of a CAD drawing. It is HowToLou@Gmail.com
Use Gasoline 1 One person suggested gasoline to replace the propane. I need pressurized gas, because I am forcing in fuel while the piston is compressing. Gasoline needs to be pulled in with an intake stroke, but I don't have that in this 2-cycle engine
Use Check Valves 1 On person suggested using check valves and I thought this was a great idea. In fact, my first prototype used check valves, but since the gasses kept coming in, the first explosion just lit the gases at the source and I had an internal torch that never went out.
Add piston rings 1 One person suggested piston rings. This is pretty tough with hardware store parts. I hope I don't need this!!
Help Wrap Gifts!! 1 Oops. That was my wife.