The Friction of a 1.6 Litre Automotive Engine-Gasoline and Diesel

The important influence of engine friction on fuel economy has aroused new interest in its accurate measurement. Ricardo have developed a new system of instrumentation capable of measuring mechanical friction under any steady engine running conditions, and isolating the proportion of engine power absorbed by each of the auxiliary drives. Furthermore, auxiliary drive torque is measured instantaneously as a function of crank angle, enabling the dynamics of the drives to be studied. The instrumentation can be easily adapted to fit most engine types and configurations whilst retaining the original auxiliary drive design.

Results obtained from gasoline and diesel versions of a 1.6 litre automotive engine using this instrumentation are described. Mechanical friction, pumping losses and auxiliary drive losses were measured with engine load, speed and coolant temperature varied. Camshaft drive torques as a function of crank angle are compared to predictions, and the effects of valve springs with reduced load are shown. Significant friction differences were found between motoring and firing conditions. The distributions of losses in the gasoline and diesel engines are compared.