It took a little longer than expected, but yesterday morning we got to see and hear our engine fire right up on dynamometer (aka ‘dyno’).
For those who have been wanting MORE video of the momentous occasion, here you go:
There is nothing like that sweet sweet sound of a well tuned 2-stroke!
The engine passed all the dyno testing and has now returned to the rebuild section of the shop to continue the installation process. The shop has set a goal of having us on the road no later than Wednesday, so that we’re off their books by the end of month.
And that’s a good thing. Because I told them they are throwing me one heck of a party if we’re still here come next Sunday – which will be my 40th birthday. I really want to be anywhere but this parking lot!
Anyone have ideas within towing distance of Billings, where we might be able to score a scenic campsite with ample hook-ups? We will be in search of some serious R&R and celebration!
Related posts to our rebuild:
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
To Repair, Replace, Rebuild or Repower our 8V71?
Disassembling and Dissecting a Detroit Diesel 8V71
mister Ed says
happy 40th
it,s that first start and 10sec, in to its life that every rebuilder is holding his breath did i ???
yes,, i was,
guys did a good job
now a better air filter( look up in side the air box for any birds nest or junk
how did u make out with your larger radiator
Cherie Ve Ard says
The new 7 row core with the new tranny cooler is awaiting installation, and it looks pretty! And once the cradle is back in, they are going to construct us the best air filtration system they can.
terry says
what I love about your blog posting is that you answer questions so completely , like the turbo question . you guys a re great
Cherie Ve Ard says
Thank you for noticing, Terry! We try to be complete, but we know no matter how much we post, there will always be follow-on questions. 🙂
John says
Great job on the video! I grew up around 2 strokes and love the sound.
We can feel your excitement. We’ve been hung up for the better part of a month for a whole different reason but are looking forward to finally starting south late next week after a month and two major surgeries on our dog.
Cherie Ve Ard says
Sending you good wishes for a healthy recovery for your pooch!
Bill Joyce says
http://springcreekcampground.com/ looks like a good match from http://rvparkreviews.com/regions/Montana/Big_Timber.html. 80ish miles from Billings to the west. We have not stayed there but it sounds like what you are after, on a river, full hookups including wifi.
Cherie Ve Ard says
Thank you Bill, that sounds perfectly lovely!
Linda Z says
Planned on 2 nights, stayed for a week at the rv park in Ennis. In a valley with great mountain views all around. Shoet hop to the Madison River. Cute town with a very expensive grocery store (stock up in Billings). Saw a mobile tech working on an RV there. We are talking about going back. Laundry was immaculate.
Cherie Ve Ard says
Sounds beautiful if we decide to head that way. Thanks!
John Brunner says
So if the engine gets painted after the video of the dyno,what is all the smoke around the running engine. Do you have a turbo charger on that engine?
Just interested.
Cherie Ve Ard says
They don’t tightly seal up the exhaust for the dyno.. so that’s just exhaust smoke while it’s at full load. And no, this is a naturally aspirated engine (refer to:https://www.technomadia.com/2013/06/to-repair-replace-rebuild-or-repower-our-8v71/ for more info on why we decided not to re-power with a turbo.)
Bob says
Just had to get that last Pope reference in there!
Cool stuff. Ain’t technology grand??
Brandon M says
All that smoke under load is the fresh paint going bye bye?
Engine sounds good! Any figures on output power?
Cherie Ve Ard says
The engine gets painted today… after the testing 🙂
The dyno read 250 HP, which at first concerned us as we were expecting 300 HP with our N65 injector setup.. forgetting that is a sea level expectation, not at 3500 ft (our present altitude). That, and this dyno having not spun backwards in 30 years and thus not calibrated for it – everyone here feels good about the readings!