It is the high oxygen to fuel ratio that acts like a blowtorch. When you ad the hammering that occurs during detonation (another by-product of a lean burn) then the pistons and head gaskets tend to change shape. Hint: it is not the shape you need to make power.

Roby

LEAN IS MEAN !!!!!!!!!! FOR A LITTLE WHILE...........

mcollinstn, Whipple Charged, Tomcat, I have learned alot on this board over the past few yrs, But I have no idea what the hell you are talking about!!!!!

:confused:

How's this for a summery, Lean=Heat=Melted pistons and stuff:D

Some things are best left not understood...just believed:confused:

Since no one's given you a hard time yet... I will!!! :eek:

Answer: The same reason jalapeno's are hot!!!!

Better Answer: Duh!

Best Answer: Friction -- Ya know.... the thing that's lacking in the two brain cells you DO have!

:D

Joe

What would I do without your expertise. Next time I will email you direct for the answer:rolleyes:

o2 sensor won't last long if some water spray hits it, but it will work long enough to tune the motor.

Re: why do engines burn up when run lean
 

What octane does 9:1 compression need?

Re: why do engines burn up when run lean
 

Mcollinstn, you mentioned aircraft engines. Continental Motors Corp (TCM) engine operation manuals have encouraged running some of their aircraft engines on the lean side of peak EGT for many years. Most pilots prefer to lean the mixture to peak EGT and then richen the mixture to 50 degrees below peak. This is what's in the POH of the Lycoming-equipped aircraft I've flown.
This time of year aircraft engines run fantastic due to the cold air temps. Just imagine making 110% of rated max power in the cold air.

Re: why do engines burn up when run lean
 

actually diesels run on a pretty basic physics idea, which is why they work so well and are almost impossible to break..... 20:1 compression, 40-60 PSI of boost add a shot of nitrous in there for fun and then run the whole thing on propane, kerosene, multiple grades of fuels if you want and watch it just run and run and run.... plus make a ton of torque in the process... try any combo of two from the above and you will be picking up parts off the street.....