The Effect of Methanol Substitution on Top Piston Ring Wear - A Comparative Assessment of Spark Ignited and Compression Ignited Engines 861589

Top piston ring wear reflects interaction between engine fuel quality and lubricant performance, with particular reference to application of alternative fuels. Part substitution by methanol can be done without major engine modifications. However, this will be successful when realiability, performance, life cycle and service expenses compare with engines running on conventional fuels. Experiments were carried out to study the effect of methanol gasoline blends in Spark Ignited engines and methanol induction in a diesel engine on top piston ring wear. The effect of operating parameters, viz. bhp, speed, and water jacket temperature on wear was also studied. A comparative analysis of the effect of these factors on the top piston ring wear of both CI and SI engines was done. The study showed that wear in both the cases increased with methanol substitution and engine bhp, whereas the results with change in water jacket temperature and speed for the two engines showed different trends.