Simple Engine Modification Cuts Fuel Use 20 To 40 Percent

Simple Engine Modification Cuts Fuel Use 20 To 40 Percent ENGINES Engines 32-1-41 Your readers might be interested in this simple engine modification that cuts fuel use 20 to 40 percent. I'm a recently retired combat engineer and I've worked with small and large gasoline and diesel piston-driven engines most of my life. Back in 1988, a friend of mine grooved the cylinder heads on his Dodge 360 cu. in. racecar. The mid-range torque significantly increased. I didn't think much about it until this past year when fuel prices increased again. I did an internet search and found that a fellow named Somender Singh holds a U.S. patent for grooved cylinder heads. I used Mr. Singh's technique to groove the head on a 3 1/2 hp Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine (see photo). My work was crude but it still did the trick. The engine now burns 40 percent less gas and torque was improved. It starts well and runs clean. After running it all summer, there were no carbon deposits on the muffler. Basically, the grooved head channels the explosion to the edge of the cylinder. This channeling scours the ring area by creating more effective turbulence. The burn is more complete and more energy gets transferred to the crankshaft. After modification, leaning of the fuel-to-air mix helps maximize efficiency. The modification is simple and can be done with a drill, a file and other ordinary tools. Mr. Singh's website (www.somender-singh.com) contains many examples and general rules of thumb for cylinder head modification. He also answers technical questions via email and would like to know the results of your work if you give it a try. (Frank Akins, 214 Arch St., Leavenworth, Kan. 66048 frnkakins@yahoo.com)

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.