Reciprocating engine cylinder contribution tester and method
Engine cylinder contribution analysis is provided. An engine cylinder contribution tester includes a displacement measurement device and a signal analyzer. The displacement measurement device detects engine block movements or displacement relative to a fixed position caused by a poorly contributing cylinder. The displacement measurement device provides a displacement signal to the signal analyzer. The signal analyzer includes a cylinder contribution module for evaluating the displacement signal. If a particular cylinder is contributing less than the average of the other cylinders, the displacement signal indicates engine block movement associated with a lack of contribution from that cylinder.
1. A system for evaluating engine cylinder contribution comprising:
a displacement measurement device configured to detect engine block movement relative to a stationary structure; and
a signal analyzer coupled to the displacement measurement device and configured to evaluate the engine block movement for determining engine cylinder contribution,
wherein the displacement measurement device comprises a potentiometer having a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the engine block and the second end is attached to the stationary structure.
2. A system for evaluating engine cylinder contribution comprising:
a displacement measurement device configured to detect engine block movement relative to a stationary structure; and
a signal analyzer coupled to the displacement measurement device and configured to evaluate the engine block movement for determining engine cylinder contribution, wherein the displacement measurement device comprises a machine vision device.
3. A method for measuring cylinder contribution for an engine having a firing order, the method comprising the steps of:
implementing a displacement measuring device for detecting engine block movement relative to a stationary structure;
correlating the engine block movement to the firing order; and
evaluating, for at least one engine cylinder, the engine block movement; and further comprising:
attaching a first end of the displacement measuring device to the engine block; and
attaching a second end of the displacement measuring device to the stationary structure.
4. A method for measuring cylinder contribution for an engine having a firing order, the method comprising the steps of:
implementing a displacement measuring device for detecting engine block movement relative to a stationary structure;
correlating the engine block movement to the firing order; and
evaluating, for at least one engine cylinder, the engine block movement; wherein the evaluating step further comprises:
determining a cylinder contribution from the engine block movement; and
the determining step includes computing a derivative of the engine block movement.