Why The Prototypes Have To Wait On The Engine

[Ekh]

It turns out that I have been wrong about this for some time ... and that there's a good engineering reason other than money why the prototypes have to wait on the engine before body construction begins.

Part of the engine testing reveals engine vibration patterns. Should these vibrations be cyclical, like soldiers marching in step across a suspension bridge, they can amplify to a point of causing real problems. Moving the engine mounts a small amount can damp out such vibrations. Since the position of the engine mounts must be known before building the prototype chassis, the prototypes will wait until engine tests are complete.

It is not a question right now of whether there is a vibration issue, but there MIGHT be one, and the engine tests will determine if there's a problem or not. So don't get all upset .... this is prudent engineering at a work, not any kind of re-engineering (and none, so far as I know, is expected). So there's no need to get all shrill and whiny about this perfectly sound reason for sequencing engine first, chassis second.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Good information EKH, thanks very much.

 

[Kuda]

Snipped: So there's no need to get all shrill and whiny about this perfectly sound reason for sequencing engine first, chassis second.

Duh.......

 

[Rideoften]

Well a 3 cylinder engine with a 120 degree crank should be turbine like as it revs up. I guess things like an A/C compressor, alternator, water pump and whatever else it needs to run may add some vibration. I think it would be minimal.

 

[JEBar]

interesting and good to know .... info appreciated

 

[Rickb]

I am relieved to know that the prototype builds will start immediately after the engine testing and Elio Motors does not have to wait for funding.

 

[Smitty901]

I am relieved to know that the prototype builds will start immediately after the engine testing and Elio Motors does not have to wait for funding.

Where have we heard something like that before? Not much is likely to happen with out some guaranteed cash coming in. Suppliers are not going out on a limb for ELIO . They watch this stuff pretty close now days.

 

[Ekh]

I am relieved to know that the prototype builds will start immediately after the engine testing and Elio Motors does not have to wait for funding.

They do have to wait for funding, at least that's my understanding.

 

[Dustman]

I am relieved to know that the prototype builds will start immediately after the engine testing and Elio Motors does not have to wait for funding.

You forgot to use "sarcasm" font

 

[Cache Man]

I believe you are referring the the resonance frequency or harmonics. Everything mechanical has this. This is why balancing an engine is important. Some engines harmonics resonate at a low RPM while others are at higher RPMs. The balancing of the engine will impact this the most.