AIM

Valve timing of a four stroke engine

Part A Valve timing diagram of a four stroke diesel engine

OBJECTIVE
(1)To draw the valve timing diagram of the given four stroke engine.
(2)To identify the valve overlap.
(3)To study the importance of correct valve timing for an engine.

APPARATUS
(1)Four stroke diesel engine
(2)Measuring tape
(3)Chalk
(4)Piece of paper

PROCEDURE
(1)The cylinder head cover was removed and the inlet valve, exhaust valve
and the piston were identified of a particular cylinder.
(2)The BDC and TDC positions of the flywheel were marked.
(3)The piece of paper was inserted into the tappet clearance of both inlet and
exhaust valves.
(4)The crank was slowly rotated till the paper was gripped in the inlet valve
tappet clearance to find the inlet valve open position.
(5)The crank was further rotated till the paper was just able to be moved to
find the inlet valve closed position.
(6)The crank was rotated even further till the paper in the tappet clearance of
the exhaust valve was gripped to find the exhaust valve open position.
(7)The measured distances from the TDC and BDC were converted into angles.

CALCULATIONS
X= circumference of the flywheel in cm = 96.6cm
Therefore, 1 cm = (360/X) degrees = 360/96.6 = 3.727o

RESULTS

Figure 1: Valve Timing Diagram

DISCUSSION

Disadvantages of a having a large valve overlapping period

Poor emissions at lower speeds, since intake air-fuel mixture can flow
directly to the exhaust.
It can result in EGR, which reduces full load torque, although beneficial in
part load conditions.
It can result in poor idle quality due to poor combustion stability under low
load conditions.
There is also more chance of detonation.

Requirement of VVT (Variable Valve Timing) Mechanisms

VVT systems are used to overcome the limitations of a fixed timing system. This is
highly flexible, varying valve lift, and intake and exhaust valve event timings
independently for different engine speed and load conditions, unlike the fixed
valve timing system, that uses a compromise point to cater to all operating
conditions.

VVT technologies used in modern automobiles

Phase changing systems

o The timing of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft is changed by
these systems to advance or retard the timing of the engine valve
events. The phase changing systems typically vary between two fixed
camshaft timings based on the engines speed and load conditions.

Profile switching systems

o This is system is capable of independently changing valve event
timing and valve peak lift. The system can switch between two
different camshaft profiles on one or both camshafts at a particular
engine speed.

Variable event timing systems

o This system is able to control the phasing and the duration of the
valve events depending on the engine speed and load conditions. Full
load torque, reductions in part load emissions, and fuel economy can
all be achieved with variable event timing.

Variable lift systems

o This involves altering the valve lift to control the timing for the
cylinders, by throttling the cylinder to save the pumping losses
associated with the conventional throttle.

Electro-magnetic valve actuation systems

o This is an electronic system where the ECU can control the EVO, EVC,
IVO, IVC and valve lift directly to get the most optimised valve timing
system.

Part B Adjustment of valve clearance

OBJECTIVES
To adjust the valve clearance to the recommended value, so as to minimise the
noise and emission.

APPARATUS
(1)Four stroke engine
(2)Feeler gauge
(3)Screwdriver
(4)Spanner

PROCEDURE
(1)The tappet cover was removed.
(2)The timing mark was aligned with the mating marks by turning the
crankshaft clockwise.
(3)The valve clearance was adjusted at given points.
(4)The adjusting lock screw nut was loosened.
(5)The feeler gauge was used to adjust the valve clearance by turning the
adjusting screw.
(6)The lock nut was tightened while holding the adjusting screw with the
screwdriver.
(7)The crankshaft was rotated clockwise by one complete revolution and the
valve clearance was adjusted for the remaining valves.

DISCUSSION
Incorrect valve clearances can cause many problems such as:

Rough idle where the clearance is set improperly, thus offsetting the times
of opening and closing of the valves.
Reduced performance due to the valves not opening and closing at the
correct points to maximise performance by burning the fuel at maximum
efficiency.
Valves may be damaged as valves may hammer together, creating a
knocking or rattling sound. Insufficient clearance may cause heat damage
and complete valve failure,