US2525978A - Method and apparatus for conditioning motors - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 17, 1950 J. E. VALLERIE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING MOTORS Fiied May 23, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR 0 215 V2? Z '6? C ATTORNEYS Ogt. 17, 1950 J. E. VALLERIE 2,525,978

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING MOTORS Filed May 23, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J76 INVENTOR A; J n Va Zlrz'e BY K R I ATTORNEYS Oct. 17, 1950 J. E. VALLERIE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR conmnonme MOTORS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3- Filed May 23. 1944 INVENTOR 0/1225. Valle? ATTORNEYS Patented Got. 17, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ooNm TIONING MOTORS w r John E. Vallerie, Norwalk, Conn. Application May 23, 194A, SerialNo. 536,914-

1 This invention relates to cleaning and conditioning of engines, and more particularly to methods and: apparatus for use in internally cleaning and conditioning an internal combusti'on engine without dismantlingsame. In my eopending application; S. N. 434,538, filed March 13, 1942, now Patent No. 2;366,0'73, dated: December 26; 1944, relating'to the same subject; -I employ a single eon'ipressor connected with an atomizer. for injecting atomized cleaning liquid into: an interior'chamber of an engine. The intakeof the compressor is connected through a trap to another chamber of the engine having: communication with the first chamber asthrough clearances between movable parts" of the engine, the suction: created inthe'second chamberaiding the es'capeofithe vaporized liquid from the first chamber through the clearances between the" movable parts. This vaporized cleaning liquid which maythus be forced? past pistons, rings, poppet'andbntterfly Valves; bear ing surfaces through screens'andthe like; loosens accumulatedisludge and? other deposits of for eign matter and carries same'to areas where these may be readily removed; V r 'I'have found'that the removal ofsludge and dirt and the cleaning of screens'andthe various 7 surfaces of? co-engaging parts such as bearings, 'v'alvesfpistons and" rings andthe like," may be facilitated through the empl'oymentof gradu'ally increasing pulsations in both the high pressure and low pressure portions of the apparatus, especiallyin connection with a greater difference in'these pressures, thesepulses b'eing'indepen'dently controllable so 'that'they'm'ay be employed separately or conjointly; B'y'tl're provisicnof such pulsating pressures'the injected cleaning vapors may be made to forcibly pass through clogged passages; clearancesand the like and in so doing 'carrywith themnthe sludge and oth r clogging deposits'sothat theparts aretheroughly cleaned. I accomplish thisby the provision of a compre'ssor-unit connected with an atomizer: for injecting atomized cleaning liquid intatheengine, 'and'the'provisionaof a vacuum pump 'and trap whichareseparate from the compres or unit and atomizer, for sucking ainand'vapors out of the engine. 'Ihe -atomizeris provided with a trigger control valve and the: hose line connecting to the atomizer' with manuallypp rable "cross-plug Y valveisothat'by operating :the latter'the atomized liquid may 'beinjected either in a continuous stream or inpulsations at the will of the operator; On the low pressure-sideof'the apparatus,

the-vacuum pumphas a bieeder valve which may the supply'of air. I

18 Claims. (Cl; 134-21) the trap is connected, or to cause pulsations in thesuction which may aid the p'ulsations in the pressure side of the apparatus in'forcing the vapor through"clogged passages;

By the provision. of compressor'and vacuum pump units" which are separate; stronger pressures and vacuums maybe produc'e'd; and'fthere is also obviated: ahytendency for contaminated cleaning fluid to be' carriedoverifrom the low pressure side of the apparatus to'the' high pressure side supplying the atomizer; As a result, the cleaning vapor injected into the engine will always be free from-impurities, and'the'solvent action thereof 'willnot be i'mpairedainany'way' by Associated with the high pressure side ofthe apparatus;' is" a compressed air tank r in' which a steady pressuremaybe-built up for the atomizer unit." A pressuregauge isconnected to the tank so that a visual"indication may'be had regarding the progress of movement of'the' cleaning vapors through the clogged channels. I also provide a vacuum gauge in' connection with the trap in the low pressureside'pf the apparatus, to similarly indicate pressure changes' insid-e the engine; and by means 'of'these'gauges a check may be made on the movement of foreign matter, and on: the improvement of compression dueto" freeing'of'th'e piston rings, cleaning of' thevalves, etc; in the engine. In the apparatus disclosed'in'my abovementioned'applicationl dpended on the sense of hearing fol-detecting the passage of vapors, since this passage generally manifested itself by mu'filed gurgling noises in th'e engine' crankcase which might be heard it an operator placed earclose to the crankcase fill-r pipe; According to mv new apparatus as disclosed herein; by the provision of gaugesbotli'the; sonic and visual methods are available to indicate'the passage 'of the cleaning vapors, and the improvement in the sa dman oftne engine. I

According't'o the present invention Ialso empov the compressed air tank as a canister for flushing the crankcase afterthe sludge has been loosened from the interior of the engine. For this purpose the tank is provided witha removable cover held in place byv quickly releasable fastenings, Whenthe cover is 'removedothe tank may be fillednwi th. a flushing liquid suitable for use inicleaning theVengi-ne crankcase. Whenthe cover is again replaced, the discharge hose from the: tank, which-may be provided with an'elongate-nozzle, is inserted into" the oil fillerupipe or the dipstick hole, and flushing liquid injected under high pressure to thoroughly cleanse the engine parts accessible to the crankcase.

An improved means for injecting vaporized cleaning liquid in the form of a fog directly into the engine crankcase is also provided, this means comprising a flexible tube of large diameter adapted to fit closely to the inside of the crankcase filler pipe. I have found thatwhen the atomizer nozzle is pressed against the exterior end of this tube the atomized particles of liquid more fully vaporize and expand so that a dense fog is created and injected into the engine crankcase, serving to permeate all of the crevices and small passages therein to loosen sludges and other deposits.

According to the present improved method for conditioning an engine, after cleaning vapor has been injected under pressure to flow downwardly past the pistons and rings of the engine, and after the cleaning process has been carried to completion, a reversal of the pressure is employed to return the piston rings to their normal seating positions. This is accomplished by connecting the vacuum or suction side of the apparatus to the chamber of the engine communicating with the tops of the pistons, as for instance the intake manifold, and connecting the pressure side of the apparatus to the crankcase so that air and vapor may be forced upwardly past the piston rings, and in so doing reseat the latter.

The apparatus as provided by the invention for carrying out these methods consists of a housing mounted on wheels to be readily transportable, enclosing the compressor and pump units, and driving motor therefor. Extending upwardly from the housing is a pair of upstanding bars having laterally extending handles by means of which the apparatus may be wheeled about. Between the bars is mounted a partitioned container, one compartment of which carries the compressed air tank. 'A support or standard extends upwardly from the tank, having mounted thereon the tank pressure gauge, and terminating in hooks on which the hose lines may be coiled and supported when not in use so that they are removed from proximity to the floor where vehicles might run over them. The other compartment of the container carries the atomizing and trap units, and tools for connecting and disconnecting the hose lines.

The overall height of the apparatus is such as to make it easily visible to drivers of vehicles, so that the likelihood of these latter striking and damaging it is minimized.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention placed alongside an automobile, preparatory to cleaning and conditioning the engine thereof.

Fig. 2 is, a diagrammatic view showing the apparatus and connections for injecting atomized cleaning liquid into the intake manifold of an engine, and for sucking out sludge and condensed cleaning vapor from the oil gallery of the engine pressure oiling system.

Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically the connections for iniecting va orized cleaning liquid into one cylinder of an engine through a spark plug I hole, and for creating a vacuumin the oildistributing system to aid escape of vaporpast the piston. V

Fig. 4 illustrates the method of iniecting vaporized cleaning liquid into an engine crank case, and Withdrawing condensed liquid and sludge from the oil gallery.

Fig. 5 shows the connections for using the apparatus to flush a crankcase, after the vapor cleaning of the engine and preparatory to draining of the contaminated oil.

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail ofthe liquid trap of the apparatus.

Fig. 7 shows a modified form of fog-producing connection from the atomizer, for use with crankcases having filler pipes of small diameter.

Fig. 8 is a detail, partly in section, of the jettype injection fitting for connecting a hose line to the spark plug hole of a cylinder.

As shown particularly in Figs. 1 through 5, the method and apparatus of the present invention is for use in connection with an internal combustion engine I 3, one type of such engine commonly supplying the motive power for land vehicles like the highway truck pictured in Fig. 1.

The engine I il in its more common form is usually of the four-cycle type, comprising a cylinder head H and block I2, the latter having reciprocating pistons I 3 (Fig. 3) with the usual sealing rings [4. Bearings for the crankshaft, camshaft, pistons etc. may be lubricated by a force-feed oiling system (not shown), an external fitting connecting to same, and communi-' eating with the oil gallery thereof, being indicated at !5. The fitting I5 is commonly used for making connection to the oil gauge of the vehicle. The engine crankcase I6 has the usual filler pipe I? through which oil may be supplied to the engine, and a dip-stick oil gauge Ila.

The head ll of the engine is shown carrying spark plugs l8, and indicated in general outlines are the air strainer l9, carburetor 29, and intake manifold 2|.

In practising the method of internally cleaning and reconditioning an engine according to this invention, a determination is first obtained of' the amount of compression each piston is capable of producing. This is done by using a pressure gauge suitable for this purpose, connecting it in place of each spark plug in'turn, While turning over the engine slowly, as by hand.

If a cylinder is found that has noticeably less compression than the rest, this may be due to the formation of sludge or other deposits which prevent the proper functioning of the valves or rings. In order to remove this undesirable matter and correct the condition, a vaporized cleaning or solvent liquid, various types of which are available on the market, is injected under pressure into the engine through the spark plug hole of this particular cylinder, as shown in 'Fig. 3, while the piston is at top, dead center,

and both valves are closed. At the beginning of this operation, the injection may be done at comparatively low pressures, and the pressures gradually increased and made to occur intermittently in a manner that strong pulses are produced, which cause the vaporized solvent to flow past the piston rings and past any improperly seated valves. In so doing, thevapors dissolve and loosen carbon, sludge, and the like, and this undesirable matter is carried with the now condensed vapor either into the engine manifolds or the crankcase, as the case may be.

While this procedure is being followed the injection pressure is noted, and I have found that when the cleaning, and removal of sludge and dirt from the valves and piston rings has pro- {gressed anextent this will be indicated by an increase in the resistance to vapor injection,

structures.

In cases where it maybe particularly difficult -todislodge and force away dirtand' deposits, the

engine may be turned over slowly by an' outside power source, such as by hand or with the selfstarter, and. to further accelerate the cleaning and removal of undesired matter, a vacuum may be created in the escape chambers for the vapors.

Thus, to increase the force. tending to carry the vapors and dissolved dirt downwardly past the pistons and rings, according .to the method of this invention, suction may be applied to the crankcase of the engine, as by'a connection to the fitting I of the oil gallery, Fig. 2. This suction may be applied very gradually; to prevent clogging of dirt accumulations, andimaybe-of a steady nature, or it may be pulsating to provide further'impetus to' the solvent vapors and dissolved matter, and I have found it to be particularly effective when a pulsating pressure and pulsating suction are employed together.

For aiding the solvent vapors in passing, and the removal of dirt from under an improperly seated intake valve, suction may be similarly applied to the'intakemanifoldof the engine during the: vapor injection through the spark'plug hole, and for this operation .the crankshaft of .theengine should be turnedto a position wherein all the intake valves are closed. Generally, however; this application of suction is notnecessary if the valve is poorly seated. Here again, an" improvement in the seating of the valve will be manifested by a climbing of the injection-pressure, or increase in vacuumin the-intake manifold :Zi, or both.

An important characteristic; of the method of this invention isthat it'may be practised :when theengine'isscold, for whichcondition theclear- 'ances between the various fitted partssuch as pistons, cylinders, rings, etc, are a .maximum. This. accounts for much or the: success of the method in disposing of dissolved matter by carrying same through such clearancetpassages.

The sole application ofvaporunder' pressure through" the spark plug :holes of the" cylinder head may be employed to ascertainithe condition of the exhaust and intakevalves; vForinstance, if an exhaust valve isbadlypitted, bent or improperly seated, the penetrating vapors: will escapeintothe exhaust manifold, and maybe h'eard'if the operator applies hisear .to the tail pipe of the muffler. In extremezcasesit may. be possible-to observe vapors issuing from: this.- pipe.

On the other hand, if an intakevalve not seating properly, the vapors may be seen escaping from the carburetor intake, if the airfilter. is removed. .This'method will also reveal faulty head gaskets, since the vapors willsescapezpast the'blownportion of the gasket into either an adjacent cylinder, or water-packet, orinto th'e I atmosphere. The latter condition-obviousl y may be detected at once. If-theescape is into" the water jacket, gurgling or bubbling noises-be heard if I the operator puts his-ear to. the radiator filler pipe, and a gasket rupture between-cyl inders may be detected by removingth'e spark plugs from the adjacent cylinders and observing if vapors issue from the holes;

After completingthe cleaning-of any improperly functioning individual cylinders in the above manner, an indication may behad of the-gen eral-c0nditionof the piston and i cylinder assembly by using a suction through the spark plug in the above manner, all of the cylinders of the engine, the pressure-feed oiling system and bearings associated therewith, .and other parts such as valve stems and the likefmay be cleaned si multaneously by making use of the intake mani iold 2|.

In carrying out this method, all spark plugs are first replaced, and all exterior connections to the intake manifold 2!, as for the windshield wiper, brake booster, and the like, removed and the openings with the exception of one plugged up. The carburetor butterfly, valve (throttle) is closed, and cleaning vapor under pressure injected into the intake manifold 26 through the remaining, unplugged connection. This injection may be cione'at various pressures, but pref erably' it is started at a lower value, and the pressure as it builds up applied intermittently to produce pulsations which accelerate the penee tration of the cleaning vapors.

At the same time suction is applied, gradually at first, to the crankcase, as through the oil line fitting ialeading to the oil gallery, the remaining. crankcase fittings such as the filler pipe It and breather being preferably plu ged'u'p to make the crankcase airtight. This suction may be steady, but preferably it is caused to pulsate during the first part of the cleaning procedure, thus serving vtioprevent clogging of foreign natter intheoiltubing, thus aidingthe cleaning process,

The engine is now slowly turned over, asby handnor with the self-starter. As the intake valve of each cylinder opens, the cleaning vapors inth-eintake manifold-2i rushinto the cylinder under pressure and are forced past the rings and pistons thereof, this action being aided: by the suction in thecrankcase. swhenthe intake valve closes iorthe compression stroke of the piston, the trapped vapors continue toforce their .Way pastthe rings andpiston as the latter: approaches its uppermost-position.

During the working ,stroke of'the piston, the

remaining trapped vapors expandgdue tothe reduction, of pressure, andthis' expanded rarifiedlvoluine isexpelled past the exhaust valve into the exhaust pipe of the exhaust stroke. Shortly beiore'the exhaust valve again. closes the intake valve opens to repeat the cycle.

The injection'of the vaporized .solvent intothe engine through the intake manifold causes a dissolving of sludge, carbon, varnish and the like inside the enginecylinders, around the valves, valve stems, and piston rings, and'frees any of these parts which maybe stuck fast. A part of the injected vapors condenses, and carries this dissolved matter in solution, andthis, together with the remainingvapors, is forced past the rings and pistons into-the engine crankcase.

Here thenon-volatile portion settles in the pan, and the volatile portion isiorced past the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings into the force feed oil lines, to the oil gallery. This passage of volatile vaporized penetrant, aided by the slow turning over of the engine, dissolves sludge in bearings and connecting lines, cleaning and freeing these so that when the engine is again operated the lubrication to bearings and working parts will be unimpeded and at the flow originally intended. The dissolved sludge and condensed vapors are carried along the oil lines and oil gallery in the opposite direction to the normal flow of lubricating oil, thus facilitating dislodgement of any dirt or sludge particles which may have become jammed in openings of reduced area, and are finally withdrawn to be disposed of through the fitting E5 of the gallery.

After this procedure has been gone through, the application of vaporized solvent and suction to the engine is reversed. That is, the solvent vapors are injected into the engine through the oil allery fitting l5, and the suction connection is madeto the intake manifold 2!. The vapors are now forced through the force-feed oil line and past the bearings of the crankshaft and associated parts into the crankcase, this action being facilitated by turning over the engine while in the cold state, as before. From here the vapors are forced upwardly past the pistons and rings into the cylinder head cavities, and thence out through the intake manifold 25. This reverse procedure tends to dislodge and remove deposits which may have become jammed in openings when the vapor injecting was done through the intake manifold 2|, and also serves as a second important function in that it raises the piston rings on the pistons and reseats them in the positions they occupied before the cleaning process.

Upon completion of the cleaning and removal of sludge, carbon, and the like from the engine interior, dry air is forced into the oil gallery, past the bearings, pistons, rings and the like, and sucked out of the intake manifold. This removes most of the solvent on these parts, leaving them comparatively dry. Now an oil film is restored to the parts by injecting atomized oil into the oil gallery, and forcing same past bearings, pistons, etc. The procedure is then reversed, and oil vapor injected into the intake manifold while the suction is again applied to the oil galler v This operation, which I term oil plating, restores an oil film to all moving parts, bearing surfaces and the like, as disclosed in my copending application above referred to.

I have found that by means of the above method, sticking and frozen valves and rings may be loosened and caused to function normally, and that a considerable amount of carbon, sludge, Varnish and other undesirable matter may be removed from the interior of the engine without dismantlin same. After this cleaning procedure the crankcase may be advantageously drained, flushed, and refilled with clean oil. a

At times the oil lines, bearings, pump or screen etc. of the pressure lubricating system of an internal combustion engine may be prevented from functioning properly due to breaks, or to dirt, foreign matter and the like being present in the crankcase oil, such conditions being often manifested by a sudden drop in the reading of the oil pressure gauge, and this may occur even though the cylinder assemblies of the engine are clean and operating satisfactorily.

According to the method of this invention, these faults may be found, and clogged lines,

. 8 bearings, screens and other parts-may be. freed of obstructions and cleaned without dismantling the engine or involving the upper cylinder as semblies.

In accomplishing this a connection may be made to the fitting iii of the oil gallery, for causing a suction in same, and vaporized liquid penetrant may be injected into the crankcase, either through the filler pipe ll of the hole for the dip stick Ila of the engine, while the latter'is being slowly turned over, as by hand or the self-starter. Preferably the crankcase is made airtight by plugging up openings through which the'injectcdvapors might escape, so that a pressure may be built up. At the beginning of this procedure, only suction is employed, it being applied gradually and with pulsations to gently loosen and remove accumulated dirt. Then the suction is increased, and pressure injection of vapors started.

To facilitate the dissolving, dislodging and moving of clogged masses, the injection of vapor may be done intermittently to produce strong pulsations of pressure in the crankcase, and this action may be enhanced through the use of the pulsations in the suction in the oil gallery.

Measurement of the suction in the gallery, as by a gauge, will give an indication of the progress of the cleaning. A plugged oil line may result in the building up of a vacuum of several inches, and when the obstruction is dislodged and expelled from the system through the fitting l5, the vacuum reading will fall appreciably. If a moderately strong vacuum cannot be established in the oil gallery it is an indication of a break in one of the oil lines leading thereto.

To thoroughly clean the oil gallery and associated lines and bearings, oil pump, strainer, etc. the vacuum and the pressure injection are now reversed, the vacuum being created in the crankcase, and the vapor being injected through the fitting 15 into the oil gallery. This enables a check to be made also if it is suspected that the system has a broken oil line. If there is a definite break in the line, when vapor is injected a hissing noise may be heard upon listening at the crankcase filler pipe. A mufiled sound instead indicates no break, since this is the usual noise made by the vapors passing through the bearings. The pressure built up in the oil gallery may be measured by a gauge, and as the parts become clean and free from dirt and gum this will be indicated by a drop in the pressure, due to the faster escape of air and vapors through bearing clearances, oil pump, screen, etc. When this cleaning procedure for the lubrication system is completed, the oil gallery may be flushed with a flushing compound. At this time the crankcase may also be drained, flushed, and refilled with new oil. After this air is forced into the oil gallery, and sucked out of the crankcase to remove all traces of solvent or flushin compound on bearings and the like, and then vaporized oil is injected in conjunction with the vacuum, to oil plate the parts, and replace the oil film. This injection may be done in both'the oil gallery and crankcase, with suction being also applied in each instance. 7

The cleaning method of this invention may be advantageously used to clean the carburetor of an engine. First a quantity of solvent liquid is poured into the carburetor air intake, and allowed to remain for a period. Then cleaning vapors are injected into the intake manifold, intermittently to cause strong pulsations, the butterfly valve (throttle) of the carburetor being open to permit the vapors to pass through the various carburetor passages to dissolve and dislodge fine particles of accumulated dirt, which may then .pass 01f during the subsequent running of the engine.

A novel apparatus is provided according to the present invention for enabling the above methods for cleaning and conditioning an internal combustion engine to be successfully conveniently carried out.

This apparatus is illustrated in perspective in Fig. l, and diagrammatically in Fig. 2, and comprises a housing 23 in the form of a box open on one side, mounted on wheels or castors 24 so that it is readily transportable, and having a pair of upstanding bars 25 and handles 26 so that it may be conveniently wheeled from place to place.

Mounted within the housing 23 is a compressor 2'! driven by an electric motor 28 shown in Fig. 2, and a vacuum pump 29 driven by another electric motor 30 (Fig. 2). The motors 28 and 30 are energized through the usual switches and electric lines (not shown), being connected so that each may be run independently of the other.

Carried by and between the bars 25 of the housing is an oval-shaped container 3i having a vertical partition 32 dividing it into two parts one of which carries a compressed air tank 33. The output of the compressor 21 is connected through a suitable hose 34 to the neck 35 of the compressed air tank so that an air pressure may be built up in the latter, this pressure being indicated on a gauge 36 connected to the tank through a hose 3! and carried by a post or standard 38 mounted on the tank. The pressure in the tank is prevented from reaching a dangerous value by a safety valve 33a, which may be set to restrict the pressure to a maximum of lbs.

According to the invention, the tank 33 has an outlet controlled by a valve 33b, to which is connected a hose 39 in turn connecting to an atomizer or vaporizer 40, the nozzle of which is joined to a hose 4|. Thus, by operating the valve 33b the flow of air to the atomizer, and therefore the injection of vapors into the engine may be shut off entirely, or partially, or allowed to proceed unimpeded, and injection pulses may thus be produced at will.

The atomizer 40, which may be similar to those commonly used in connection with the spraying of paint, is adapted to hold a quantity of cleaning or solvent liquid, and to vaporize same into very fine fog-like particles. The atomizer is provided with a trigger valve 42 which may function to control the atomization of the solvent liquid,,so that the vapors may be shut off entirely and only air injected into the engine.

By this arrangement, when the hose ll is connected, as shown in Fig. 2, to the intake manifold of the engine l0, atomized liquid may be injected continuously or intermittently, the latter procedure, in connection with a pressure head in the tank 33, being employed in carrying out the pulsative method of the invention already described. To produce effective powerful pulses with the intermittent injection of vapor, the valve 33b is allowed to remain closed until a substantial air pressure is built up in the tank 33. Upon this being accomplished, the opening of the valve will release a large quantity of air under substantial pressure, which will produce a fine foglike vapor and inject same into the engine with a strong pulse which I have found to be very effective in loosening sludge and dirt deposits, and forcing the penetrating vapors past close fitting parts to be freed and cleaned, such as the pistons l3, rings I l and the like.

Referring to Fig. 3, the hose i! is shown connected by a fitting Ma to the spark plug hole of the last cylinder, as for the purpose of reconditioning this, freeing and cleaning the rings M to restore the compression prior to performing the operation on all cylinders simultaneously. This fitting, shown in detail in Fig. 8, has an orifice which when vapors are injected through it produces a jet striking against the top of the piston. The injected vapors forming this jet form a crater in the carbon deposits on the piston, baring the metal and when the engine is subsequently run, the remaining carbon has a tendency to chip off, and pass out through the exhaust valve.

After this connection has been made and the pressure is building up in the tank 33, with the trigger valve 52 open, the valve 331) is opened, then closed again, then opened, and so on. At the beginning of this operation, the difierence in the readings of the gauge 36 is noted, between open and closed positions of the valve. After theoperation has progressed, and the vapors have freed and cleaned the piston rings, according to the method described, the differential of the valve readings is again noted, the improved condition of the rings Hi being manifested by a lesser differential in the gauge readings. Or if the valve 33b should be held open, as the cleaning progresses to the point where the rings Hi are freed and again seal the clearances between the piston l3 and cylinder walls, a rise in the gauge reading will be noted.

In order to accelerate the cleaning action, and the passage of the penetrating vapors past the parts to be cleaned, and to remove from the englue the undesired deposits, dirt, etc. the invention provides a mechanism independent of the high-pressure injection part of the apparatus, for attachment to engine chambers adjacent and having restricted communication with those in which the cleaning vapors are injected. Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, this mechanism includes the vacuum pump 29, motor 3%), and further comprises a hose 43 connecting the intake of the pump 29 to a trap ill having a glass jar 65, the trap carrying a vacuum gauge 36 and being attached to a hose 4'! by means of which it may be connected to the engine IE1.

As shown in Fig. 6, the trap M has a pair of vertical pipes 48 and 49 carried by a stopper 50, one pipe extending through the other, and the outer pipe 48 terminating near the top of the jar 45, to constitute the air outlet from the latter.

The gauge 45 is connected so that it measures the vacuum in the hoses 43 and ll, and jar 45.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and l, the hose tll is provided wih a fitting so that it may be connected to the fitting 15 of the engine, communicating with the oil gallery of the pressure lubricating system to create a suction therein when the pump 29 is operating.

Referring to Fig. 3 illustrating the operation 01 conditioning the last cylinder of the engine Ill, I have found it advantageous to supplement the pulsating injection of vapors into the cylinder by applying suction to the oil gallery through the fitting l5, by means of the vacuum apparatus and trap 44 just described. This suction aids the passage of penetrant vapors past the piston l3 and rings It, since it creates a vacuum in the l1 crankcase I6, and oil gallery, and the va'p'ors sucked into the latter and condensed during the process will be withdrawn, together with dissolved sludge, dirt and the like, through the hose 4'! to be deposited in the jar 45.

To further accelerate the cleaning operation, the head of the pump 29 may be provided with a bleeder valve 5|, Fig. 2, which may be used as a relief to control the suction in the jar 45, and consequently in the engine It). If the valve 5! is opened, the sucking of the pump 29 is reduced, and the vacuum in the jar 45 will become less. The valve 5| may be left open, in which event the vacuum in the jar 45 will be reduced to such an extent that the pulsations occasioned by the reciprocation of the piston of the pump will be felt in the jar, and in the hose line 41 and oil gallery of the engine.

These pulsations may be employed to augment the effect of the pulses of injected vapor, and as a result a more effective dislodgement of sludge and dirt, and passage of vapors is obtained.

In carrying out the individual cylinder conditioning illustrated in Fig. 3, the reversal of injection andsuction is accomplished by connecting the hose 4'! to the spark plug hole of the cylinder, and if desired, connecting the hose 4| to the fitting |5 of the oil gallery. This reversal will dislodge jammed particles which cannot pass downwardly between the piston l3 and cylinder, and will also rese'atthe rings M in their proper positions.

The connections of the apparatus for cleaning the cylinder assemblies simultaneously are illustrated in Fig. 2. The injection hose 4| is connect- I ed to the intake manifold 2| and the suction hose 4'! to the oil gallery fitting i 5, and the step of reversing the injection and suction is accomplished by connecting the hose 41 to the manifold 2|, and the hose 4| 'to the fitting l5.

The apparatus and method of this invention may also be employed to remove deposits and generally clean the radiator and cooling system of an engine, by connecting the hose 4| to the radiatorfiller pipe, andthe hose 41 to the'bottom connectionfrom the radiator to'the engine. For this purpose aliquid solvent suitable for dislodgingand dissolving scale and rust deposits is preferably used in theatomizer 40. A reversal of these connections maybe employed alternately with the above tofur'ther facilitate the removal of the objectionable matter.

The method of'co'r'recting faulty lubrication in the pressure oil-distributing'system is illustrated in Fig. 4, wherein thesuction' connection of the hose 4! is again made to the oil gallery fitting l5. However, according to the invention an improved means is provided for producing and injecting a dense fog into the crankcase 6 for penetration through the crankcase bearings etc. to the oil gallery. This means comprises a rubber hose '52 of'such a diameter that it fits closely inside the oil filler pipe ll of the crankcase, which pipe is of the larger type in use. The'outer' end of the hose is cut squarely so that the nozzle of the atomizer may be fitted tightly against it, as shown. The inside diameter of the hose 52 is substantially larger than the orifice of the atomizer nozzle, and I have found that as a result the vapors issuing from the nozzle'may expand and subdivide so that a'dense persisting fog is produced, which is forced underpressure into the crankcase l5. Where smaller oil-filler pipes are encountered, injection of vapors is preferably accomplished through the use of a small hose and an enlarged chamber between the hoseand at-"' omizer, as illustrated in Fig. 7. This device is shown in detail in my copending application re'- ferred to.

In carrying out the method the connections for Which are illustrated in Fig. 4, the vacuum gauge 46, being connected to the hose line 41', willgive an indication of the amount of suction in the 011 gallery and associated pipe lines of the engine,

so that the readings of the gauge may be used as.

indications of breaks, plugged lines, etc. 'as'al ready described.

The apparatus of the present invention adapted for carrying out the step of flushing the crankcase, as part of the engine conditioning method.

For this purpose the cover 53 of the air tank,

hose line 39. As shown, in Fig. 5, the hose 39 is disconnected from the atomizer '40 and provided with a tubular extension 56 which is inserted in the oil filler pipe l'l. After the old oil has been drained from the crankcase It the drain plug is replaced, and the flushing liquid'in the tank '33 squirted into the crankcase by running the compressor 2?. If desired, the dip-stick gauge 5! may be removed and the tube56 inserted into'the dipstick hole to aid the flushing liquid to more readily reach other parts of the crankcase.

, For the purpose of 'ra-ckingthe hoses 39 and 43, the standard 38 mounted on the tank 33 is extended upward beyond the gauge -35, and provided with hooks 58 on which the hoses may be coiled, as shown in Fig. 1.

The compartment of the container 4| adjacent that occupied byv the tank 33 is preferably large enough to hold the liquid trap 44, vaporizer 40, rubber hose 52, and tools required in connecting the apparatus.

While the method'and apparatus of this invention has been described in connection with an internal combustion engine of the four-cycle type, it should be understood that it may be used;

WithtWO-CYCIG engines, Diesels, and other.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of this invention andportions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim: 1. In the art of cleaning relatively movable parts and an interior chamber of an internal combustion engine without dismantling same, which parts have clearances between them'accessib-le to'the interior chamber of the engine, the method including the steps of turning over the engine while-cold and unexpanded to cause relative movement of said parts; and simultaneously injecting with an intermittentpressure a cleaning material in 'vapor'form-into said-in;-v terior chamber p'roducingpulsations tending'todislodge 'foreign matter, s'ai'd cleaning material passing. through the clearances between said.

relatively moving engineparts into areas of lower pressureand carrying with it foreign matter col-- lccted thereby.

2. In the art of cleaning relatively movable parts and an interior chamber of an internalv '13 x combustion engine without dismantling same, wane 'rts" e" cl'e ,anlces'between themacb1e toithe interior chamber of the engine, the "method including the steps of turning-over theengine while cold and une panded to cause relativemovenient of said parts; simultaneously busti'onfengine'without dismantling same, which parts have clearancesbetiyeen .them accessible to the interior chamber of "the enginefthe method inclnding thesteps of turning-over the engine "to cause-relative movementpf' said parts; simultaneouslyinjecting with an intermittent pressure aclea ingmaterial in vapor 'form into said interio hamber producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter; saidclea'ning material passing thrcugh the clearances between said relac y moying engine partsinto areas of lower pressure anid'carryingwith it foreign matter collected thereby: gradually increasing said pressure and the violence of said pulsations toloosen'the more tenacious particles of'fforeign matter; and thereafter withdrawing atmosphere from'sair lower pressure area to accelerate the passage of said cle aning material and foreign matter, from the said interior chamber.

4. Inthe art of cleaning relatively movable parts and an interior chamber of an internal combustion engine without dismantling same, whichfp'arts have clearances between them accessibleto the interior'chamber of the engine, the method including the steps of turning-over theengine to cause relative movement of said parts simultaneously "injecting'with an intermittent' pressure a'*cleaning material in vapor form into said interior chamber producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said cleaningmaterial passing through the clearances between said relatively moving engine parts into an adjacent interior chamber of lower pressure and carrying with it foreign matter collected frcm said parts; and simultaneously withdra the atmosphere from said "adjacent chamber to reduce the pressure therein and to accelerate the passagefof the cleaning vapor "and foreign matter from the first-mentioned"chamber;

5. In the art of cleaning relatively movable parts and an interior "chamberof aninternal combustion engine without"dismantling same, whichparts have clearances between them access'ible' to the interior chamber of the engine, the method including the steps of turning-over the'engine tocauserdative movement of said parts; simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into said interior chamber producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said cleaning material passing through the clearances between said relatively moving engine parts into an adjacent interior chamber of lower pressure and carrying with it foreign matter collected from said parts; and intermittently withdrawing the atmosphere from said adjacent chamber during said turning over of the engine to intermittently 14 reduce the pressure, therein, and facilitate the passageo'f the reamngva or and foreign m tte from the first-mentioned'chamberi Q6. In the'art of cleaning the 'top'cylinder, piston and valves of an internal combii'stion engine'with out dismantling same, the method including the stepsf'offturning over the engine while cold and unexp'anded to cause movement of the pistonarid valves through a cycle of'operations'; and simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a' 'cleaning' material in vaporform into'an interior chamber communicating with said top cylinder producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matterfsaid material flowing past said piston and valves into areas of lower pressure and carrying with it foreign matter;

'7.".In the art of cleaning relatively movable parts and an interior chamber of an internal combustion engine without dismantling" same, which parts have clearances betweenthernaccessible to the engine crankcase, including the steps of turningover the engine while'coldand unexp'anded to cause relative'movern'ent ofsaid parts; 'and simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a' cleaningmateriahinVabQr form into said crankcase producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said cleanin material passing through the clearances between said relatively moving engine parts" "into' areas of lower pressure andcarryingiyvithit'foreign matter collected thereby."

In the art of' cleaning relatively, movable parts and an interior chamber 'of an internal combustion engine withoiit dismantling same, which parts have clearancesbetween them accessiblejto the engine crankcasef including" the steps of turning-over the engine'toj cause relative movementof said parts; simultaneously injecting with "an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into said crankcase producin Y'Diilsations tending to dislodge' foreign,,matter, 'said cleaning material passing through the clearances between said relatively moving engine arts into areas of lower pressure and carrying with'it foreign matter collected thereby; and thereafter withdrawing atmosphere from said lower [pressure area'to accelerate the passage of said Gleaningmaterial and foreign matter from the'said interiorchamber. i "9; In the art of cleaning the piston rings and mounting grooves therefor of an internalcombustion engine without dismantling same, the method including the steps of turning over the engine while cold and unexpanded to cause movement of the piston through a cycle of operations;

and injecting with an intermittent pressure a' cleaning material in vapor form'jinto the top cylinder abovethe piston producing pulsations tending todislodge foreign matter during said turning over of the engine, said material'passing around the rings into the crankcase and carrying with it foreign matter collected at the rings.

10. In the art of cleaning an internal combustion engine, the method including the'st'e'ps of turning over the engine to cause movement of the piston through a cycle of operations; injecting with an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into a chamber having access to the top of the piston during said cycle of operations, producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said material passing over and around the piston rings into the crankcase and carrying with it foreign matter collected at downward from a normal seating position. on the 15 piston; turnin over the engine through another cycle of operations; and creating a suction in said chamber during the second-mentioned cycle of operations to return the rings to their normal seating positions.

11. In the artof cleaning the pressure oil-- distributing system' of an internal combustion engine without dismantling same, the method including the steps of turning over the engine to cause movement of the bearings associated with said system; and simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into said system, producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said material passing through said bearings into areas of lower pressure and carrying with it foreign matter collected from said system and bearings.

12. In the art of cleaning the pressure oildistributing system of an internal combustion engine without dismantling same, the method including the steps of turning over the engine to cause movement of the bearings associated with said system; simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into the engine crankcase while turning over of the engine, said material passing through said bearings into the oil-distributing system and carrying with it foreign matter collected from the bearings; and simultaneously withdrawing said vapor and foreign matter from the oi1-distrib uting system while turning over of the engine.

13. In the art of cleaning the pressure oil-distributing system of an internal combustion engine without dismantling same, the method including the steps of turning over the engine to cause movement of the bearings associated with said system; simultaneously injecting with an intermittent pressure a cleaning material in vapor form into said system, producing pulsations tending to dislodge foreign matter, said material passing through said bearings into the engine crankcase; and simultaneously withdrawing the atmosphere from the engine crankcase during said turning-over of the engine to reduce the pressure therein and accelerate the passage of the cleaning vapor past the said rings, and foreign matter carried thereby.

14. A device for cleaning and conditioning an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure-operated atomizer; pressure-producing means for the atomizer; means connected with the atomizer for injecting a stream of atomized liquid under pressure into an interior chamber of an internal combustion engine, and causing a pressure in said chamber; a vacuum pump operable independently of the pressure-producing means; and means for connecting the vacuum pump to an interior chamber of the engine at a point remote from the injecting point for simultaneously withdrawing the atmosphere therefrom so that atomized liquid injected into the engine may be drawn through and withdrawn from same.

15. The invention as defined in claim 14, in Which there are means for producing pressure pulsations of atomized liquid for injection into the engine chamber, for overcoming the resistance of clogged escape passages in the chamber.

16. The invention as defined in claim 14 in which there are means for controlling the injection of atomized liquid whereby the stream may be alternately turned ofi and on to produce pulsations in the pressure of the chamber into which the liquid is injected, for overcoming the resistance of clogged escape passages in the chamber.

17. A device for cleaning and conditioning an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure-operated atomizer; pressure-producing means for the atomizer; means connected with the atomizer for injecting a stream of atomized liquid under pressure into an interior chamber of an internal combustion engine, and causing a pressure in said chamber; a vacuum pump operable independently of the pressure-producing means; means for connecting the vacuum pump to an interior chamber of the engine at a point remote from the injecting point for simultaneously withdrawing the atmosphere therefrom so that atomized liquid injected into the engine may be Withdrawn from same; means for producing pressure pulsations of the atomized liquid; and means for producing pulsations in the vacuum produced by the vacuum pump, said pulsations being independent of the pressure produced by the pressure-producing means, said pressure and vacuum pulsations aiding the injection and ithdrawal of atomized liquid from the engine.

18. The invention as defined in claim 14 in which the means for injecting a stream of atomized liquid into the engine chamber comprises a tube extending from the atomizer into said chamber, the inside diameter of the tube being larger than the orifice of the atomizer an extent sufilcient to permit expansion of the vaporized liquid so that the particles thereof become substantially less dense and create a fog.

JOHN E. VALLERIE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,584,505 Bevin May 11, 1926 1,656,160 Badaracco Jan. 17, 1928 1,660,557 Heimburger Feb. 28, 1928 1,889,019 Deutsch Feb. 28, 1933 2,201,773 Hofele May 21, 1940 2,201,774 Hofele May 21, 1940 2,222,513 Mulvaney Nov. 19, 1940 2,240,227 Saussure Apr. 29, 1941 2,245,195 Hopkins June 10, 1941 2,281,695 James et a1 May 5, 1942 2,295,539 Beach Sept. 15, 1942 I Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,5259? 8 October 17, 1950 JOHN E. VALLERIE It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 5, line 63, for the Word packet read jacket; column 12, line 44, for container L1 read container 31 column 16, line 56, list of references cited, for 1,889,019 read 1,899,019;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read as corrected above, so that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice. Signed and sealed this 2nd day of January, A. D. 1951.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Oommisszoner of Patents.

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