Compressed air engine

[Gun Freak]

I'm trying to design a compresses air engine but I cannot wrap my head around how they exhaust the air in the cylinder in order for the piston to retract. Is there some sort of valve connected to the crank shaft that opens and closes? I can't find anything online.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Matthew 7:7

[velocity3x]

Is there some sort of valve connected to the crank shaft that opens and closes? I can't find anything online.

A good valve example is the linkage on a steam locomotive.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

A good valve example is the linkage on a steam locomotive.

A bit more complex but worth a look, great website to browse through by the way.

[Gun Freak]

Now I need to figure out a way to implement that, but for lower pressure.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Why should pressure have any bearing on the design, other than ensuring a sufficiently wide piston to provide the requisite torque?

[Gun Freak]

Well I just thought of a new design that doesn't need high pressure. A linkage runs off of the crank thank opens a small intake valve when the piston is I'm the retracted position. I think it is very promising but I need to draw up some sketches and hopefully one in 3D. I might post it.

[ramses]

Some of the more complex engines use variable valve duration to either fully expand the steam (air) for economy, or pump in full pressure steam for much of the power stroke for more peak power.

Do you feel like attempting something similar?

[Gun Freak]

How simple is it to construct that mechanism? I'm going to use this engine as a model but it will be a bit different. I'm just using the same valve setup.
http://npmccabe.tripod.com/coathngrengn.htm
Is it possible to vary the valve duration on this design?

[warhead052]

Now I regret throwing out my old lawn mower engines. Try adding an air input line where the spark plug would normally go on a regular engine. And fill it with air, if it rotates then you have an air engine. You just have to drill a hole to let the air out.

[Gun Freak]

It's not that simple lol.
Besides... The whole point is for me to build a model engine, for the fun. I'm also making a Stirling engine.

[warhead052]

Ohhh, model engine. I thought you meant like an actual engine.

It may be that simple, I just haven't tried it. Soon as I see a neighbor throw out a mower I will try it though.

[Gun Freak]

Cool, search on YouTube for Theairgunman. He has a video of a converted engine that runs on air/steam. Worth checking out.

[warhead052]

Yeah, I am subbed to him. Its a pretty cool engine.

[Gun Freak]

I'm subbed too! He did a very cool idea on his conversion.