£2480 in Prizes for Paraffin Engines.
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Although benzole is probably used on 70 per cent. of the utility motors in France, the leaders of the French motorcar industry appear to be of the opinion that paraffin can be made to play a most important role in relieving the present shortage. An important move has now been made in the decision to hold a paraffin motor competition, with three cash prizes of respectively £2000. .2400, and £80.
This is not a paraffin-carburetter test, but a competition of four-cylinder 20-30 h.p. motors designed for work in a chassis and particularly on commercial vehicles. The competition is of a twofold nature; comprising first a series of laboratory tests, and later a regularity and endurance test on the road. The new laboratory of the Automobile Club of France has been selected as the scene of the trials. In order to be eligible the engines must have four cylinders developing between them from 20 to 30 horse-power. The engine weight per horse-power must not exceed 33 lb., and this is calculated to include all the necessary components for running, excepting fuel, tanks, and water. Should the maximum n power be exceeded, the figure 30 will be taken in calculating the weight per horse-power.
There will be four bench tests, as follow Three hours under full load ; three hours under half load, but at the same angular velocity as during the first trial ; two hours at half the speed obtained in test No. 1; and two hours running light. In all four tests the fuel consumption will be carefully noted.
To qualify in these four tests, the engines must show a fuel consumption not exceeding 350 granimes per horse-power-hour, must have undergone no repairs, and must have been started on each occasion within 10 minutes of the official order. Petrol is to
c2 be allowed for starting, on condition that. it is not contained in a tank forming part of the equipment.
The bench tests finished, the engines must be put in a chassis for road tests. Minimum weight of the car, without driver, oil or fuel, is fixed at 23 cwt. 64 lb. The road trials will occupy four days, during which a distance of 620 miles must be covered at an average speed of 19 miles an hour. Cars not having attained this average will be disqualified, but no special advantage will be secured by running at a higher speed.
During the road trials the fuel consumption will be carefully noted, and the member of the jury accompanying each car will report any irregularity of running, difficulty in starting or restarting, trouble with overheating, any breakages which may be due to engine vibration, and any time that may be spent in cleaning plugs or valves, in awarding points from 0 to 20, account will be taken of the amount of petrol used in starting the engine. In addition the entire consumption of paraffin and petrol will be recorded.
There will be a double basis of determining merit : first, the fuel consumption per ton-kilometre, the car with the lowest consumption being considered the best, and, secondly, by reason of the number of points gained in the regularity trial. The first prize will be awarded to the maker of the engine having given the best results under the two headings.
Throughout the tests, paraffin will be supplied by the organizing committee. It will have a 'density of 810-820 and a, flash point of 35 degrees in the Granier instrument. Entries for the competition will be received at the Automobile Club of France until 1st April, at a fee of ,C6 per engine. Entries at double fees will be received until 1st July. The actual tests will begin on 1st October.