Run on one engine

[eastont]

I read where on a 28' Thundercraft it was okay to run using just one engine. It had twin v6's, I presume 4.3.
Is this a reality? Is it more economical? Do others do the same? Will it be okay to handle, or would it always want to steer one way or the other depending on which engine is being used?

I'm asking this because I have twin 4.3's and take very long cruises, and if it is a real thing, saves fuel etc., I will do it.

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Run on one engine

Going 20mi distance. You can run both engines and get from point A to point B in 1/2 hr, and burn a few galons of fuel. Also you can run one engine at a little above idle speed and get to point B in a few hours, but will you burn the same amount of fuel?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Run on one engine

apples to oranges... you will burn FAR less fuel at 7 mph than at 40 mph going the same distance... speed COSTS

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Run on one engine

When I run the NYS canal I run on one engine.
It has a 5mph no wake zone where I go.
As for the steering I have no problems using just one engine going that slow.

 

[Philster]

Re: Run on one engine

If the one engine can be used just loafing, then use one engine.

You have 12 cylinders. Automakers have had success running on fewer cylinders by shutting down some cylinders to save fuel. Cadillac has done it and it has taken various forms (all electronic and automatic). Hybrids are doing the very same thing all day long. They shut down the engine for a smaller motor to step in when conditions are easy. If they need 50 HP, they don't keep the 125 HP gas engine in play.

You can use the most basic approach and run on one when no real load or other demands are made for power. Any need to load the engine (accel) will require the second engine.

To figure out when it becomes efficient down to the last detail of power/accel/speed/etc, you will need complicated algorithms only a computer can manage (ergo hybrids).

But, there are plenty of times you can putter on one engine... even under a little light acceleration. All those slow speeds where you never come close to getting on plane or building a bow wave? Yeah, that is easily one-engine territory.

File it under 'No Brainer".