ADVANCES IN TURBOCHARGED ENGINE DESIGN

Improvements in engine efficiency are related to lower running costs. The factors affecting the performance of the new perkins t6.3544 turbocharged engine are examined. This engine offers many advantages to road transport giving a power-weight ratio for trucks of up to 18 ton gvw. It has been possible by careful engineering rather than innovation to reduce specific fuel consumption by 5 to 15 per cent compared with the current t6.3543. Details are given of the improved design of the fuel injection equipment, cylinder head porting, turbocharger, charge cooler and piston assembly. The fuel pump has an increased plunger size giving a 19 per cent increase in injection rate. The shorter combustion period allows optimum engine timing reducing the maximum cylinder pressure. Improved turbocharger bearing performance has resulted in a smaller more efficient unit. The new piston employs the alcan 'perimatic' controlled expansion feature which maintains close clearance under all operating conditions reducing oil consumption and eliminating piston slap. Base engine noise is halved at full load and full speed. Because of the increased power of the engine, the basic components of the block and head have been significantly strengthened. /TRRL/