Efficiency Test of the 'Otto' Gas Engine

In the last en years gas and petroleum motors have made such great strides that at present for small power they are superseding the steam engine, and in some localities they are even going so far as to compete with high power steam engines. In England gas engines have been constructed which develop twenty-five hundred horse power.

The reasons for this unexpected progress are quite evident when looked at from the view of first coat as well as cost of operation and maintenance.

The steam engine although on an average is less costly to operate, requires high-priced labor as well as stokers for boilers, more floor space, accommodations for fuel, boiler cleaning and inspection; all of which necessitate expense.

The gas engine on the other hand is self-contained and once in operation needs little or no attention. Starting apparatus once so meager and hard to operate, are not on a fair way to perfection, and it is now possible to start most any size motor without difficulty.

The only obstacle now to be removed by the experimenter and inventor is to make gas and petroleum engines more economical than the steam engine when the cost of operation is taken into account.