Test Fixture
I built my Engine Test Fixture using 6 inch heavy channel. The axles are from a mobile home which I shortened to fit the Test Fixture Frame. To shorten the axles, i cut the required length from the axles. These axles are hollow tubes.
I found some hollow tube with the same thickness wall that would slide into the axle tube. I made these short stubs
8 inches long so each stub would fit into an axle side 4.0". Each axle half was marked 3.0" from the open end and then 4 equal spaced .500" holes drilled through the axle ( not the stub). Finally the short stubs were driven into the axles to the pre measured marks. I plug welded the .500" holes to the stub and also ran continuos bead around the entire joint where the axles butted together.
The frame rail width was fab'ed to the same dimension as a Power Wagon frame rail. All joints were prep'ed for full penetration welds, gusset plates were added to the top and bottom of each corner. The tongue is 3.0 x 5.0" heavy channel with the added gussets you see in the pictures. The trailer hitch size is for a 2.0" ball.
No suspension was used. The axle spring perches were welded directly to the 6 inch channel. If this was to be towed on the road, I would have added gussets to the axle/frame junction.
The radiator was found at an auto wrecker. I have no idea what it was used in. I wanted a radiator with hose connections that would match the Cummins hose connections, both in location and size. The electric fan is a 16" that I found on sale at Auto Zone. Its not high quality, but for this application it is fine and the price was right. The electric fan is connected through the Cummins Fan Sensor Switch so engine temperature will control the Fan.
The Fuel tank is just a Plastic 5 gallon fuel container with the top drilled for the feed and return fuel lines
I have a mechanical oil pressure and temperature gauge, volt meter and tachometer installed on the front diamond plate instrument panel. A standard ignition key switch operates the starter and fuel valve. There is a over ride switch for the electric fan. I also have a panel light that comes on when the fan sensor switch signals for the fan to run. Also included is a switch to disable the fuel valve so I can crank the engine without it starting.
In the pictures you can see that the front two Cummins engine mounts are used. The rear mount is the transmission, in this case a SM-465. Later during the winter of 2006/2007, I am going to change the rear mounting to be universal for any transmission or mount without a transmission. My fixture is set up for Cummins 4B Series engines, however you could just as easily mount any Gas Engine by changing the mounting system. Its a totally self contained Test Fixture, with no time limit on operation other than re-fueling a required.
I use a trailer dolly to move the Test Fixture. Even with a full dressed Cummins/Transmission its easy to move with the dolly. |
Date(s): October 30 2006. Album by Power Wagon. 1 - 11 of 11 Total. 3673 Visits. |
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