Engine test method

A method for testing an engine comprising the steps of:

• starting said engine;
• controlling a fuel feed of said engine to obtain steady running at a first speed;
• performing a first runup-rundown cycle consisting of accelerating said engine from said first speed to a second speed, and permitting said engine to decelerate to a third speed;
• monitoring at least one parameter of said engine during said first runup-rundown cycle;
• selecting parameters for a second runup-rundown cycle based on the monitored parameter during said first runup-rundown cycle;
• performing said second runup-rundown cycle consisting of accelerating said engine from said third speed to a fourth speed and permitting said engine to decelerate to a fifth speed;
• continuing the steps of monitoring, selecting and performing to produce subsequent runup-rundown cycles;
• comparing a result of said monitoring with at least one standard parameter;
• and
• ending said testing when the result of said monitoring reaches a predetermined relationship with said standard parameter.