typical damage when you "lose a cylinder"

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by general23cmp, Aug 24, 2004.

  1. general23cmp

    general23cmp New Member

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    i have seen many dragsters, funny cars, etc. that "lose a cylinder" half-way down the track. What is the typical causes of this (broken spring, etc.) and what is the typical engine damage that occurs. Is it something that costs several $$$ to fix or is it usually a simple replacement of a small part. It just seems that as often as it happens that it must not be too destructive or alomst no one would be able to afford to race.

    Thanks guys...
     
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  2. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Are we talking nitro-methane motors here. If so one drops a cylinder because there is just too much fuel in the cylinder for the plug to ignite. In otherwords the plug is under water. Tuning a nitro car is a little different from gasoline and alcohol motors because for max motor the tuner reads the weather then computes the max amount of fuel he can get into the cylinder based on an air to fuel ratio of around 1 to 1. He is actaully stuffing as much nitro as he can get into the cylinder. If it gets too much fuel then the plug cannot ignite it. If anythings happens while going down the track such as the clutch is too tight and the motor is loaded down or the tires spin then it upsets this fine line and cylinders are dropped. Also that is the primary reason for having two mags and two sets of spark plugs.
     
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  3. nitrohawk

    nitrohawk New Member

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    The damage depends on a lot of factors. If the fuel in a dead cyl reaches the point that it cannot be compressed something has to give. Usually it is the rod that bends or breaks and the damage that can result from this happening.
    However depending on when and how severe the cyl that drops is it will result in no dammage to that cyl but will load the other cyls sometimes to a point that they will go lean and blow headgsk. Most engines will tolerate rich conditions much better than lean.
    Dropping cyls is a common problem but the better fuel tuners pretty much have it figured out. If all races were held at 1000 ft. alt. you would see much less of it.
     
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  4. sumpy

    sumpy Jr. Dragster

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    We all hope, if it happens, that there is not too much damage however, it still hurts the wallet !!
     
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