Topic: Engine test stand: need input

[timdhawk]

I want to build a test stand for my motor (and subsequent ones) before it goes back into the bike after a rebuild. What would be the minimum i would need to make this work?
-oil tank
-gas tank
-wiring harness
-coil pack
-battery
-tach
-ignition switch
-throttle assembly
-exhaust

anything else? I just want to be able to start, run, and basic bench tune the motor.
thanks

[KingCustomCycles.com]

An oil pressure guage might give you some security.  Also, extensive bench running at higher power settings will require some cooling airflow.

[ekpent]

I have an old 750K frame with the front neck cut off that I have been looking at to weld-modify into an engine test stand.Should be easy to mount oil tank etc. and I could take off the head in frame-WOO HOO    What are you going to use ??    Eric   Edit: Only downside is that these engines will idle and rev nicely,only show midrange and other tuning problems out on the road under a load.

[paddy paul]

A large fan to cool  the engine while it's running

[kerryb]

I too have been considering a test stand, all of the above looks good.  What would be an easy way to put the engine under load?  A chain drive water pump, or a BIG fan blade. 

What do dynomometers use?

 

[dave500]

ive run 500/550s on the ground,just to sync then compression test,as posted there is no real load on the engine so flat spots and backfires might not/wont show up,i just do it to see if a motor smokes or knocks.i ran this one with no exhaust for about 4 or 5 minutes,what a racket.

[timdhawk]

thanks for the replies. I just want to be able to start it, check for leaks and tune it for a good idle so I know it will not have to come back out once it goes in the bike. I'll keep ya posted.

[dave500]

with the engine on the ground a 4-1 header will not go under the engine,ive just bolted them on upside down for any test run.