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Originally Posted by joburnet
The actual burning of fuel is 99% efficient, there are substantial losses from engine friction, driveline friction, ect....
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IC engines are on average around 20% efficient. Why else do you think vehicles need cooling systems? Most energy from combustion is lost through radiated heat. Even under optimal conditions (like one set rpm with no throttle plate and cams ground to take best advantage of that engine speed) an engine would be lucky to see much over 50% efficiency. Friction losses are taken out of the 20% or so that actually is converted to useable work.
Volumetric efficiencies can get over 100%... but that is something completed different.
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-Aaron
SVX: '92 Dark Teal 101k
'97 Legacy GT Wagon: dead
'99 Civic Si: daily driver... stolen and stripped with all my tools!
'92 Yamaha FZR 600: garage
2011 Jetta: Daily disappointment