System and method for testing an engine

A method of testing components of an engine by motoring the engine to be tested using an external drive motor, the method comprising the steps of:

• motoring the engine using an external drive motor which drives a shaft rotatably mounted in the engine until the engine reaches a first RPM value;
• using a laser mounted proximate the engine valve train to detect and measure valve train movement;
• testing the valve train of the engine at the first RPM value and outputting a first data signal indicative thereof;
• increasing the engine RPM value to a second RPM value;
• testing the valve train of the engine at the second RPM value using the laser and outputting a second data signal indicative thereof;
• increasing the engine RPM value to a third RPM value and testing the valve train at the third RPM value, and outputting a third data signal indicative thereof;
• and
• overlaying three different curves developed from the first, second, and third data signals respectively on a single graph so as to analyze the behavior of the valve train at the first, second, and third RPM values relative to one another.

A system for testing various components or requirements of an engine, the system comprising:

• an external drive motor for motoring the engine to be tested by way of a shaft rotatably mounted in the engine so that a cam shaft in the engine rotates with said shaft driven by said external drive motor;
• a computer including a display screen for permitting an operator to view graphical test data received from sensors mounted within the engine;
• valve train testing means for measuring vertical displacement of at least one valve in the engine during motoring of the engine at first and second RPM values, said valve train testing means forwarding signals indicative of valve displacement to said computer so that movement of the valve at said first and second RPM values is simultaneously displayed to the operator on said display screen thereby allowing the operator to visually compare behavior of the valve at the first and second RPM values;
• lap simulation testing means for automatically motoring the engine for a predetermined number of laps around a simulated track at predetermined RPM values at a plurality of predetermined time periods defining each of said laps, and testing at least one component of the engine during each of said time periods during each lap thereby allowing the operator to analyze the behavior of the component being tested under simulated race conditions at different RPM values;
• an encoder attached to said shaft for outputting data indicative of the angular position of said shaft during motoring of said engine;
• a tachometer and a manual stop button for allowing the operator to visually monitor the RPM value at which the engine is motoring and for stopping motoring of the engine respectively;
• an oil pump and an oil filter for causing oil to be circulated to and from the engine during motoring so as to lubricate same;
• and
• a divide-by-six device disposed between said encoder and a corresponding drive controller, said drive controller being in communication with said encoder, said drive motor, and said computer.

An apparatus for motoring an engine and performing tests upon components thereof, the apparatus comprising:

• an external drive motor for motoring the engine to be tested by way of a crankshaft;
• a belt extending from said drive motor to said crankshaft so as to allow said motor to drive said crankshaft which in turn is adapted to drive reciprocatory components within the engine to be tested;
• an encoder attached to said crankshaft for indicating the angular position of same;
• a cabinet housing said external drive motor, said belt, and said encoder;
• an adapter plate to be disposed between the engine and said cabinet thereby allowing different engines to be mounted on said cabinet in order to allow the attached engine to be motored by said external drive motor;
• and
• a laser to be mounted on the engine in an aperture defined therein below the valve train so as to detect movement of the valve train during motoring.