e q u i p m e n t

New Engine Company Moving Ahead

A Seattle-based company developing a radical new diesel engine recently went public.
Rodi Power Systems says its will use the $20 million raised by the offering to complete development and gear up for production.
The company has recruited a group of engineers, scientists and managers from Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR and other firms in the Seattle area.
It is negotiating to build a manufacturing facility at a closed military based near San Antonio, TX. The proposed plant will be capable of producing 100 heavy duty engines per shift.
The HT1-450 engine under development is a V-4 cylinder rod-crank two-stroke cycle turbo diesel engine designed to produce 300 to 500 hp for use in Class 8 trucks. The HT Series can be packaged into a variety of forms — I-2, I-4, I-6, V-4, V-8 and V-12.
The engine’s unique features are a reverse uniflow two-stroke cycle and a two-point microprocessor control with interactive software.
Pressurized air is admitted via intake valves located in the cylinder head and exhaust is discharged through ports machined into the lower extremity of each cylinder liner. This eliminates the need for exhaust valves while still achieving efficient scavenging of the exhaust within the cylinders.
The engine’s microprocessor controls initiate and terminate fuel delivery to each cylinder individually. An integral cellular telephone/ modem will be designed into the system, enabling the operator to receive diagnostic or repair assistance from a factory service specialist remotely at any time.
The production HT1-450 is expected to weigh just 1,430 pounds. Its modular design will allow the truck to run on only two cylinders to save fuel.
Spokesmen say the engine’s power head can be separated from the accessory drive unit and removed from the truck without breaking any connections to the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, air brakes or alternator.
The engine can be constructed with 40% fewer components than competing I-6 cylinder four-stroke engines.
It is designed to be used with synthetic oil (polyalphaolefin) for both lubrication and cooling, allowing it to operate safely at up to 240° F.
A large oil pump is also claimed to serve as a retarder capable of producing up to 75 hp silently.
Rodi says its engines may be installed in new trucks as early as 1999.
It will initially target regional carriers and high gross weight haulers.