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Mucho potential failure modes... (archive)
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Posted by mikeS on July 23, 2001 at 10:59:31:

In Reply to: Not overcomplicated - but a good thing posted by 76er on July 23, 2001 at 07:27:04:

Well, given that we're talking about F1 application, I suppose the potential performance gains outweigh the expense of making the whole thing work. I used to work on robotic arms that deployed solenoids and servos to control hydraulic actuators, and learned that even when you pay good money for these gizmos (hundreds of $$ apiece), they are prone to failure. I'm sure if you stress the hell out of a 2002 motor, you're inviting failure of the valve springs, rockers, timing chain or camshaft. But I've never seen it happen even on an old, worn-out motor, so long as you keep an eye on things. And I've never had a problem with my eccentric valve lash adjusters. Very reliable, and I don't think they're too difficult to work with.

My 2002 might not be very fast, but generally you can break the speed limit without leaving 3rd gear.

You can have reliability at reasonable expense. You can improve performance at reasonable cost. To have high performance and reliability together, the costs multiply. And the type of tech you're talking about probably won't be applicable to passenger cars at reasonable cost for quite some time.

Mike


Yes, get rid of the camshaft. It's holding us back. With solenoid valves it'll be like having several cams for one engine. Imagine, you'll have minimal overlap for torque while cruising the streets, picking up groceries etc.. and on the highway that baby opens up. These valves will be able to close faster than the old ones too. Which means keeping that valve open longer than you could with a cam and valve springs. I'll always have a place in my heart for the '02, but technology is a wonderful thing..



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