Looking for engine stand plans

[Tom Endy]

attached are a couple of photos of an engine stand for a Model A engine several of us built. It is equipped with a water temp gauge, EGT gauge, tachometer, running time meter, and an ammeter for use when we choose to mount an alternator. the stand is set up for 12-volts to accommodate the gauges and indicator lights, ignition, and provides the ability to use a 12-volt battery.

Everything that is painted red is dedicated to the stand. The gas tank assembly mount and all the controls are attached to the two bolts that would normally mount the accelerator assembly on the back of the clutch housing. This is where the ground is picked up for all the gauges and the ignition. All the gauges are disconnected with a single cannon connector.

A couple of lessons learned over four different engines tested.

At 160 water temp and at 2000 RPM the EGT reading is 800 with the GAV open 1\2-3\4 turn. The water temp probe is in the water outlet hose with a 160 thermostat. The EGT gauge is located in the entrance to the muffler just below the manifold. The jets in the carburetor were properly flow tested and resized.

Close the GAV and the EGT goes to 1000. Run the RPM up to 2300 with the GAV back open and the EGT can go to 1200. The pistons and valves do not see these kinds of EGT temps as they are continually washed with fresh air and gas.

When the engine is removed the gas tank assemble is removed and set aside along with the dummy bell housing covering the flywheel. Everything else can remain in place except some of the accessories like carburetor and starter. An idler pulley is generally installed in place of an alternator.

There are several added features that may not be visible in the photos. There is a parking brake to prevent the stand from taking off down the road. The throttle control rod comes through the front panel of the gas tank mount. Spark advance is controlled by a wooden rod attached to the distributor to prevent tangling up with a spark pug lead. Instruction for the spark advance direction are posted near by. There is also a reproduction 12-volt ahooguh horn mounted to the stand to provide a warning blast for start up.

We did not generate any drawings either mechanical of electrical during the construction of the stand.

Tom Endy