Hearse

[ernie wrenn]

Over the last week Richard and I have worked on a better way to get a positive start up system.

The basic concept is to replace one of the spark igniter's with a spark induced torch pilot, that lites when the igniter's are activated.

In the pic you see we started with 4 standard spark plug anti-foulers $4.00 for 2 ( at O'rileys auto parts).

1: The first one is the non modified, second is modified for acetylene gas.

Next, threaded for igniter threads(compare to regular igniter).

Final is two anti-foulers screwed together and turned down to proper length and thickness.

I used a Turbo torch tip in the gas line to get proper air/fuel ratio. Installed 2 solenoids for redundant back up (12vdc in series = 24vdc load) and gave it a try. (see pics of flames lite with a lighter).

Moved to a generator we have and installed spark plug wire. Richard spun generator over and "POP" WE HAVE A FLAME.

Next is to install every thing and wait for the A/B to be finished.

Ernie

Anti-foul spark plug adapter


Adapter wielded on for acetylene


Spark plug screwed into adapter


second adapter threaded for J-34 igniter


Assembly screwed together


Gas line attached


Test assembly hooked up to torch



Notice tip of adapter is still small. The next adapter is screwed on to the assembly and turned down to size


Finished adapter for new spark holder compared to original igniter


Complete unit with spark plug


Top view of new gas igniter compared to original


Redundant solenoid valve base with torch nozzle attached


Spark, spark We have FIRE! Adjustable as seen in the last photos

[Richard OConnell]

Here is a workflow diagram of the new ignitor.

[ernie wrenn]

FINALLY got the AB back together! What a pain in the ass!!

3 weeks of cutting, grinding, wielding , bitching..... So now we will hang it back in place and see what breaks next?

We have a Booked in show on Oct 29, 2010 at the High School football game half-time show. I'll post some video on you tube.

Ernie

[ernie wrenn]

It is back on and ready to fire. ;D

Ernie



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[Richard OConnell]

Problems Today.
Well, we seem to have hit a major snag and are still unsure of the causes of our problems. At first, the engine didnt seem to want to fire up, which we are currently associating with a fuel problem (maybe a check valve). On our initial tests, as the engine started to come up there was visible atomized fuel exiting the tailpipe until ignition, but there was no fire and no fuel for our first 2 tests.
On the third attempt there was some vapor quickly followed by a long flame that was coming about 3 feet out of the tail. It was a single stream of fire that was toward the outer edge of the tail, rather than encompassing the entire thing. As the RPMs rose (still very relatively low) the underbelly of the engine at the compressor (right before the afterburner) began to glow very bright orange. The engine was shut down to prevent damage.
As the engine spooled down, we were greeted with the sound of grinding metal and a warm glowing campfire inside. We ran a hose directly into the engine and cooled it, engaging the starter occasionally to expose airgaps in between the turbine blades. After it cooled we further inspected the engine to find the damage appears to be minimal. The grinding seems to be from the expanding metal causing the blades to touch the outer wall of the engine, but after it cooled, the blades turn freely. We have more thinking and inspecting ahead of ourselves, but it was getting late and nightfall can be a bitch when your trying to see shit.

[ernie wrenn]

11-04-10

Back together again.. Installed a lift pump and filter with #20 jic lines. Checked lift pressure and got 15 psi.. 30 with engine turning over with starter at 500 rpm.

It is raining today and tomorrow, so hope to refire Satruday...

Ernie

[Johansson]

Nov 4, 2010 16:35:31 GMT -5 ernie wrenn said:

11-04-10

Back together again.. Installed a lift pump and filter with #20 jic lines. Checked lift pressure and got 15 psi.. 30 with engine turning over with starter at 500 rpm.

It is raining today and tomorrow, so hope to refire Satruday...

Ernie

What happened with the refire, more problems with grinding turbine blades or haven´t you had time to try it yet?

[ernie wrenn]

We had to install two lift pumps to feed the engine pumps. The fuel tanks are below the engine causing the main pumps to not prime causing the lean condition.

Every thing is installed and wired and ready to fire. Trying to get enough people for a safety run..

Ernie

[ernie wrenn]

Saturday we got the hearse started with help of Chris and crew.

The main fuel pump kept leaking back and developing a air lock. Chris backed off the pump bleed cap till it got a good drink and off she went. Played with the throttle up to 100% with NO vibrations.

The throttle control is touchy so I will change the ratio on the levers.

Our spark torch igniter worked GREAT. Even when i pulled the throttle back to far (40%) the compressor wanted to stall, touched the button and gave it throttle and she jumped back to life. So, YES... The igniter will light under HEAVY pressure loads without failure. (Quite impressive if I must say so)

I am going to add a air bleed solenoid to the main pump to remove any air bubbles and return it back to the vent line. The valve will be powered by the starter relay so it will close when the starter is disengaged. This will forgo having another switch to worry about.

The torque is tremendous at high rpm's, the hearse will rock approx 6 inches side to side with rapid throttle moves. The afterburner is CRAZY loud and crisp.

Making the needed parts now and hope to have another try later this month.

Chris's camera could not take the sound waves and shut off and our security camera system got turned off during some work.... NO video this time. I bought a new camera, there will be no excauses.

[Johansson]

Congrats! Good to hear that you´ve solved the starting issues.

Can´t wait so see a video of the afterburner in full operation.

[Richard OConnell]

Took the hearse to the drag strip tonight after several short successful runs at the shop (not full run-ups). We had an issue that caused our lift pumps to cycle the overflow fuel from the afterburner tank into the enfine's main fuel tank, which was already full, causing the fuel to fill our air return lines and make an exit out of the side of the hearse and all over the staging area. We brought it back to the pit area and the problem persisted.
Tomorrow, we are looking to fix it by simply adding a fuel line that goes between the two tanks which should equalize the fuel levels to some extent.
Chris also had some problems with the van. A weld broke loose at the drive shaft coming off his engine which disassociated his Rolls Royce Nimbus engine from his van's powertrain. The crippled beast could still perform valiantly in the fire-show department, but was ill suited for sick tread-donations to the track's surface.

Hopefully both of these problems will be resolved tomorrow and if all goes to plan both vehicles will be back on the strip tomorrow night.

[Johansson]

Sorry to hear about your problems, I hope you can solve it to the next race tonight.

[turborico]

What luck!

[ernie wrenn]

Went back to the track Saturday for the Car Science show..

Everything was going great until I woke up and everything started going wrong. The car would not start.. Pumps would not prime:

Found a stuck check valve in the prime line....

Finally got her fired but at 50% it cut off?
Found a solenoid not opening... WTF?

Igniter now want lite..... Replace acc tank and spark plug.... starts and runs up to 100%

Now A/B wont lite..... getting mad now....

Track official comes over and advises us we cannot burn the car without a fire truck on scene.. 3 of my crew are volunteer fireman and call their stations... All trucks are out on brush fire calls!

Film crews does all the glamor shots and with no truck, had to call it a shoot. They are coming back when we get the fire truck is on scene, hopefully next weekend.

Got some good picks.... will put them up today.

Ernie

[ernie wrenn]

Here is a pic of the MONSTER..

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