VOL. 3, NO.

4, AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1819-6608

ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

www.arpnjournals.com

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SINGLE CYLINDER FOUR

STROKE PETROL ENGINE
Asif Ali Mirani1, Jandool Khan1, Saeed Ahmed Solangi2 and Ali Akbar Channar2
1
Farm Machinery Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
2
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
E-Mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
A research study on evaluation of performance of a single cylinder four stroke otto engine was conducted in the
Lab. of Farm Power and Machinery, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The actual size of engine parameters like
bore, stroke, swept volume, clearance volume, compression ratio and r.p.m. were recorded and computed.
Based on the actual size of the engine parameters the indicated horse power (ihp), brake horse power (bhp) and
friction horse power (fhp) was determined and were found to be 1.54, 1.29 and 0.25, respectively. The mechanical
efficiency and thermal efficiency was also calculated and were found to be 83% and 20.5%, respectively. The fuel
consumption per hour was found to be 0.8 liter/hour while the fuel consumption per distance traveled was found to be 60
km/liter.

Keywords: engine, petrol, single cylinder, performance, efficiency.

INTRODUCTION b) Valves correctly timed and set.

Performance evaluation of automotive engines is c) Fuel mixture properly adjusted.
of great importance for their economic operation. The d) Pistons’ rings and cylinders not badly worn.
method or criteria for assessing the engine performance e) Bearings properly adjusted.
include the determination of engine power, engine f) Proper lubrications.
efficiency, fuel consumption, considering the engine
stroke, engine speed, mean effective pressure and bore- all Webster (1981) explained that the measurements
of these affect the horse power, engine efficiency and its of engine size were concerned with an engine bore, stroke
performance. displacement and the compression ratio. These
Jones (1980) explained the efficiency of engine measurements determined how much power an engine
which means obtaining the greatest possible power with could develop. The amount of power an engine actually
lowest possible fuel cost or lowest fuel consumption. The developed is specified in terms of performance
actual fuel consumption of engine is usually expressed in measurement called the horse power. Further he added that
pounds per hour power horse or in horse power hours per the concept of horse power was based upon a number of
gallon. The total fuel consumption varies according to scientific principal evaluation and measurement.
size. The power generated and the length of time of Boldwin (1983) performed test on compression
operation. When reduced to bases of pound per horse ignition tractor engine using fuel mixture No.2 diesel fuel
power-hour. The fuel consumption of two entirely oil and fully refined soybean oil. The object of study was
different size and type may be very nearly same. to determine the effect of altered ignition timing on the
He further reported that fuel consumption of all performance of compression ignition (CI) engine. He
petrol engine like automobiles, trucks and tractor engine is reported that the possible modification that may improve
about same when reduced to the basis of pounds per horse engine performance was altered injection timing. Questing
power-hour, provided they all operated under one half to the results of previous tests that the addition of soy oil
full load, such engines seldom burn less then 0.55 lb/hp. increased the ignition delay of injects fuel charge,
hr. The average is around 0.60 lb and the rate may run as although fuel burns more rapidly, he hypnotized that
high as 0.70 lb. Diesel type and similar high compression earlier injection would further increase the engines thermal
engine show fuel consumption of 0.4 to 0.5 lb. hp-hr and efficiency by providing additional time for complete
seldom use more than 0.55 lb. Further he pointed that for a combustion of fuel. He reported that injection timing both
certain type of engine, burning a given fuel the most advanced and retarded 3 deg from the manufacture
important factor affecting its economical and efficient settings increased thermal efficiency at part load with
operation are: advanced injection timings.
Banga (1987) suggested that for evaluating and
1. Normal operating compression pressure. testing the performance of engine the following
2. Operating load-light, medium, heavy. parameters must be considered and measured:
3. Mechanical conditions.
ƒ Engine power-indicated horse power (ihp), brake
a) Ignition correctly timed.
horsepower (bhp) and friction horse power (fhp);

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 VOL. 3, NO. 4, AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1819-6608
ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

www.arpnjournals.com

ƒ Mechanical and thermal efficiency; and connected with the battery. The engine was started and the
ƒ Fuel consumption. readings were taken on the gauge.
The main objectives of this study were:
Measurement of fuel consumption
1. To study engine size including measurements of bore,
Oil tank of engine was filled with fuel. The
stroke, displacement and compression ratio;
engine was operated with average load for about one hour.
2. Measurement of power i.e. indicated horse power,
The tank was again filled with the fuel. The fuel consumed
brake horse power and frictional horse power;
in one hour was recorded.
3. Evaluating the efficiency of engine based on
mechanical efficiency and thermal efficiency,
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
considering the input energy supplied to the engine
and the output energy delivered by the engine; and
Engine tests
4. Measurement of fuel consumption (liter per hour).
1. Bore = 4.6cm (actually measured)
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Keeping in view the objectives of this study, a
Table-1. Stroke measurements.
single cylinder four stroke cycle engine of motor cycle
CD-70 (Model 1992) having following specifications was Measurement of stroke
used:
S. No. Position Remarks
ƒ Bore = 4.7cm 1. 4.1 Centre position
ƒ Stroke = 4.15cm
ƒ Displacement = 72 cm3 2. 4.175 Edge position
3. 4.150 Sides position
In order to measure various test parameters and
specifications of different parts of the engine, following Total 12.425
instruments were used: Mean 4.14
ƒ Vernier calliper
ƒ Tachometer 2. Stroke = 4.14cm
ƒ Cylinder dial gauge 3. Displacement or Swept volume = length of stroke x
ƒ Compression tester Area of cylinder
ƒ Exhaust tester When stroke = 4.14cm, bore = 4.6cm
ƒ Tools (Spanners, screw drivers etc.) Displacement or Swept volume
= 4.14 x 3.14 x (4.6)2
Measurement of bore and stroke 4
Stroke is the distance traveled by piston from top = 69 cm3
dead centre to bottom dead centre. It was measured with
vernier caliper. The bore was also measured with vernier 4. Clearance volume: the clearance space was measured
caliper (inner diameter of cylinder). Readings were taken and noted as 4.5cm in diameter and 1.6cm high in
in triplicate. centre and was segment in its structure.
The volume of segment = 3.14 x h2 (3d-2h) where
Measurement of compression 6
Compression was measured by the compression d = distance of dia of circle and h = height of the segment.
gauge. The compression gauge was hold with a force in a
hole in which spark plug was fixed. The engine was
cranked mechanically and the pressure was noted from the C
pressure gauge. h d
A B
Measurement of rpm (revolutions per minute)
A Tachometer was used for measuring r. p. m. D
The Tachometer wheel was pressed with the fly wheel of O
the engine and the readings were noted.

Test for fuel ratio

The exhaust tester was used to measure the air
fuel ratio used to the engine. The exhaust pipe was fixed Figure-1. Dimension of cylinder head segment ABC for
into the silencer of the engine and the wires were clearance volume.

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 VOL. 3, NO. 4, AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1819-6608
ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

www.arpnjournals.com

ABC is a segment of circle. = 8.64 cm3 or 8 cm3

The clearance volume is segment of circle. So, the volume
of segment = 3.14 x h2 x (3d – 2h) 5. R. P. M: The rpm was measured by mechanical
6 tachometer on various fuel supply positions to the
h = 1.8cm engine, the results are shown in Table-2.
d = 2.9cm
Segment = 3.14 x (1.8)2 x 3(2.9) – 2(1.8)
6
Table-2. R.P.M. on various positions of fuel supply.

Idling position Intermediate Fuel throttle

S. No
A position B position C
1. 990 1120 1200
2. 1000 1130 1150
3. 1010 1140 1160
Total 3000 3390 3510
Mean 1000 1130 1170

A+B+C Table-4. Exhaust gas test.

1000 + 1130 + 1170 = 3300 = 1100 r. p. m.
Condition
3 S. No. Air fuel ratio
of mixture
Compression test
The compression of the cylinder was measured 1. 13.9 :1 Slightly rich
by using compression tester model 2502. Readings at 2. 14: 1 Approaching ideal
various positions of fuel supply throttle was recorded
(Table-3). 3. 14: 1 Approaching ideal
Total 41: 90
Table-3. Compression of different positions of throttle
Mean 14: 1
opening fuel in cylinder.
Idling Maximum Fuel consumption test
Intermediate
# position position 0.8 liters filled after one hour running of engine.
position B
A C
1. 67 68 70 Indicated horse power
2. 71 71 71 Indicated horse power = P x L x A x N
33000 x 2
3. 72 71 69 Where
Total 210 210 210 P = Indicated mean effective pressure ibs/inch2
L = Length of stroke in feet/meter
Mean 70 70 70
A = Area of cross section of cylinder cm2/inch2
N = No. of revolution per minute
A+B+C P = 70 ib/inch2
70 + 70 + 70 = 210 = 70 lb/ in2 L = 4.14cm = 0.13 feet
3 A = Bore2 x 3.14
Compression = 70 lb/ inch2 Bore = 4.6 cm = 1.8 inch
A = (1.8)2 x 3.14
Exhaust gas test A = 10.17 inch2
The exhaust test was measured by portable N = 1100 r. p. m
exhaust analyzer model 4089. The tester was showing fuel
mixture rich to lean grades 8-16, air fuel ratio 11-16. The Indicated horsepower = P x L x A x N
results are given in the Table-4. 33000 x 2
= 70 x 0.13 x 10.17 x 1100
33000 x 2
ihp = 1.54

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 VOL. 3, NO. 4, AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1819-6608
ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

www.arpnjournals.com

Brake horsepower Compression ratio = Total volume

According to Royal Automobile Club formula, Clearance volume
the formula takes no account of engine stroke, engine = 77 = 9.6
speed, nor the mean effective pressure, all of which affect 8
the horsepower. But at that time for common speed, = 9.6: 1
pressure and stroke, Bore ratios the formula was Or 10: 1
responsibly accurate.
bhp = D2 x n DISCUSSIONS
2.5
D = Dia. of cylinder in inches = 1.8 inches Bore, stroke and displacement
n = no. of cylinder = 1 one According to the workshop manual of Honda
CD-70 the rated bore was 4.7cm, stroke 4.15cm and
bhp = (1.8)2 x 1 = 1.29
displacement was 72cm3 where as the measured
2.5
parameters were bore 4.6cm, stroke 4.14cm and
bhp = 1.29
displacement was 69cm3. The measured parameters are
normally equal to given parameters. This little difference
Mechanical efficiency
was due to the re-boring of cylinder and replacing of
Mechanical efficiency = bhp x 100 sleeves.
ihp
= 1.29 x 100 = 83% Compression ratio
1.54 The compression ratio for gasoline engine is
suggested at the range of 8.5: 1 to 10.5: 1. The
Thermal efficiency compression ratio of tested engine was calculated 10: 1,
the calculated compression ratio falls in the recommend
Thermal efficiency = bhp x 100 range. So, the compression ratio of the tested engine is
Power value of fuel satisfactory.
= out put x 100
input Engine efficiencies

A gallon of gasoline = 6.2 lbs a. Mechanical efficiency

1 gallon = 4 liters It is recommended that the mechanical efficiency
1 liter = 1.55 lbs of an internal combustion engine may vary from 75 to 90
1lb of gasoline = 20,000 Btu percent; the efficiency of tested engine was 83%. The
1 horsepower hour = 2545 Btu result comes in recommended range and the mechanical
1 horsepower = 33000 ft-lb/minute efficiency of the engine is satisfactory.
1 Btu = 778 ft lb
1 hp = 33000 = 42. 42 Btu/minute b. Thermal efficiency
778 The recommended thermal efficiency of an
1hp hour = 42.42 x 60 = 2542 Btu internal combustion engine varies from 15 to 35 percent.
Thermal efficiency = out put x 100 The thermal efficiency of the tested engine was 20.5%
input which is in the normal range and is satisfactory.
Engine consumed 0.8 liter of gasoline in one hour (input)
0.8 x 20,000 = 16000Btu Fuel consumption
Thermal Efficiency = bhp x 2545 x 100 The fuel consumption was measured and noted.
16000 One liter fuel consumed covered around 60 kilometer
= 1.29 x 2545 x 100 distance. The service manual of Honda Motor bike
16000 recommended 70 km/liter. The fuel consumed was also
= 20.5% very near to the recommended consumption but the
difference was due to the adjustments of parts like
Compression ratio carburetor and point.
The compression ratio of the engine is the ratio of
the cylinder volume existing when the piston is on bottom Fuel mixture ratio
or crank dead centre and volumes remaining above the In case of gasoline engines the proper fuel
piston when it reaches top are head dead centre. mixture ratio is about 15: 1. The result of fuel mixture was
noted 14: 1 which is very near to the recommended ratio.
Total volume = Swept volume + clearance volume This shows that fuel mixture of the engine is up to the
= 69 cm3 + 8 cm2 mark.
= 77 cm3

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 VOL. 3, NO. 4, AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1819-6608
ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
©2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

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CONCLUSIONS The following suggestions are given to improve

From the results and discussions, it was the proper functioning of the engine and improving the
concluded that the tested four stroke cycle otto engine performance of the engine.
compared with its original specifications show generally
same results but following dimensions are varying at 1. The engine may be tuned up and the parts may be
certain level: adjusted like valves, contact point and spark plug.
2. For the supply of correct fuel mixture, the carburetor
1. The calculated bore was 4.6cm and the original bore and its parts may be cleaned. The jets, nozzles and
was 4.7cm. The calculated displacement was 69 cm3. needles valve may be checked and adjusted. If any
Its original displacement was 72 cm3. The calculated part is older than new part may be fitted.
dimensions are smaller than its original dimensions 3. The proper discharge of exhaust gases also affects the
because engine was used for the last six years and performance of the engine. The silencer may be
sleeves were fixed into its cylinder whose bore was dismantled, cleaned adjusted and fixed properly.
4.6cm. 4. The occurrence of spark at proper time also affects the
2. The result of fuel consumption quoted by performance of the engine. So, the timing of the spark
manufacturer and given in its original booklet was 70 may be checked and adjusted properly.
km/liter where as the calculated fuel consumption was 5. The air cleaner may be checked and cleaned for
found to be 60 km/liter. proper supply of clean air.
3. The calculated fuel mixture was about 14: 1 and
recommended was 15: 1 in the calculated mixture REFERENCES
ratio. The amount of air was supplied less in quantity.
Jones F. R. et al. 1980. Farm Power and Tractors. 5th Ed.
4. The other remaining dimensions like stroke, McGrow Hill Book Company, New York.
compression, compression ratio, thermal efficiency
and mechanical efficiency are equal to the Jay W. 1981. Small engines operation and service. 1st Ed.
recommended parameters. American Technical Publishers, Alsio, Illinois 60658.
SUGGESTIONS Baldwin J. D. C. 1983. Performance of a diesel fueled
Only few dimensions are varying from its engine. TRANSACTIONS of the ASAE. 26(4): 962-970.
original parameters like bore, displacement, r. p. m, fuel
consumption and fuel mixture ratio. It may be due to that Banga T.R. and N. Singh. 1987. Automobile Engineering.
some parts are not adjusted properly and some of them are 1st Ed. Khanna Publishers, Dehli-6.
not working properly.

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