Starter Adapter Testing Needed...New Product Giveaway
 

Hello Pelican fans,
We are looking for two different volunteers to test an engine test stand prototype and provide feedback. The intended use of this product is to troubleshoot and tune engines while outside the car. Our starter adapter allows the starter motor to mount to an engine without the use of a transaxle. I have made a few design improvements and changes to improve our product for 911 engines (pre-84).

Requirements:

a) Do all below in two weeks or less.
b) Mount ring to an engine in good condition with good compression and crank. Preferably the engine is already on a stand, but an engine on the floor is okay too. Must use your own starter and battery. Engine doesn't need to start, but it would be nice if it did.
c) Take pictures and/or video preferred.
d) Comment on gear engagement, gear noise (normal or not), overall experience using the product. Discuss via phone or email.

Prefer:
a) High compression engine 3.0L or larger.
b) West coast
c) Knowledgeable enough to wire and plumb the engine to safely crank the engine.

Compensation:
keep the prototype or as many prototypes as it takes to make it work correctly. The prototypes are non-plated bare steel.

Please respond to sales@zalexindustries.com or PM or this thread or text.
Thanks,
Tom
Engine Test Stand for Air-cooled Porsche and VW
858-243-0476

Previous version:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1484967078.jpg

ok


When will it arrive at my door ?


See my Instagram account for reference . . . .

RR

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wow very cool; I can not believe it is safe to run an engine on a stand like that? Dont you need an exhaust attached so that the valves dont warp due to rapid temp change?

East Coast Trial Test........
 

Tom,

I have two (2) newly rebuilt SC engines right now ready for start up. Located on the other side of the country but could help you evaluate your product. PM me if you are interested. Thanks.

Tony

Send one to Tony, he will provide meticulous testing and feedback.
First person I thought of when I read your thread.

Proto-type testing........
 

Tom,

I got your PM and like to see your adaptor in actual application. I have been using a 915 transmission bell end housing to hold the starter in engine test stand for more than 20 years now. At the moment, I am building a second engine test stand using half of the housing like your version.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485046374.jpg

The ones on top are 915 transmission adaptors and below is for VW bug engines. Thanks.

Tony

Thanks everyone for your comments and offers to help. I found two willing and able testers and I look forward to sharing the results.

Tony, we also offer a full ring as pictured below, however I'm sending you the half ring because it's worst case in terms of gear alignment and strength.

Our full ring has multiple mounting tabs and holes which easily allows a support frame to bolt up and get the engine off the ground. Of course the rear crossmember also needs to be supported on a running engine.

Thanks,
Tom

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485058613.jpg

This debate has been around before but how can you 'tune' an engine at 'zero' load and how will you bed in the rings?

Back to square one........
 

Chris,

The set up is designed to facilitate making the troubleshooting process easy and convenient. You can not tune a motor unless it is running well. This subject has been discussed and a never ending argument. Testing an old or a newly rebuild motor that does not run on dyno machine is not an efficient method.

BTW, testing and troubleshooting a motor is best achieved on an engine test stand. Whether it is new or has thousands of miles on it. You could choose whatever method that makes you happy but my home made engine test stand has been very effective in locating hard to access locations of the engine which is almost impossible to do with the engine in situ.

Tony

I just don't understand how you can assess an engine that is unloaded?

The peak cylinder pressure changes significantly with load and this influences the vast majority of the engines settings.

Once again the opening post states very clearly that one of the features of this device is for tuning engines and I believe you need a dyno for this activity.

We will clearly never agree and I just don't see the point of risking new engines at zero load.

I just don't think it is best practice and can cause damage.

Starter adaptor fitment........
 

Tom,

I was able to do the fitment and installation test for the starter adaptor you sent me. But was not able to get the motor running due to missing parts. The owner of the motor has not returned the alternator fan/housing, chain housing covers, etc. for powder coating.

Pictures of the starter adaptor installed on a 3.0 liter SC motor:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1488147643.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1488147674.jpg

The adaptor fits very nicely. However, I noticed something that you might consider extending the length of the stud shown below:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1488147836.jpg

As you can see (above), the stud is too short. Additional length is needed.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1488147972.jpg

The 915 transmission bell section shown above has 26~27 mm long stud compared to yours at 17 mm long. Will post picture of motor running very soon.

Tony

Thanks Tony,
The stud has already been lengthened based on other testers feedback.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1488150531.JPG

We look forward to a running engine and a full picture of your stand setup.
Thanks,
Tom

Below is a link from boyt911sc of a running engine using the Zalex Industries 911 Half Ring Starter Adapter prototype.

Tony reported that the starter stud was a bit short and that has since been corrected.

Thank you Tony for testing this product for us.

https://youtu.be/HAVPJD8ZTvk

Tom Perazzo
Engine Test Stand for Air-cooled Porsche and VW