Jeff Morris wrote:
The funny thing is that there really is an upper limit to how much energy can be
taken out of a gallon of fuel,

Of course there is.


... and his number of 16 is a reasonable number for
an engine run at WOT.

For some engines, yes. But even for gas turbines, WOT is not the most
efficient operating regime. Diesels are usually at their most efficient
somewhere between 80% and 90% throttle. Gas engines are most efficient
much lower, carburretted engines usually are most efficient close to idle.


... But to claim it as an absolute is ridiculous, since most
engines at reduced throttle do better, and some do much better. Further,
claiming that cruisers always run at the full rated hp is absurd.

I think what he was trying to say is that there is a relationship
between developed horsepower and fuel consumption, even at reduced
throttle. But of course he didn't say it very clearly and his numbers
are way wrong.



Its so typical of jaxie to take a simple "rule of thumb" and claim that its an
absolute that can never be violated.

At least there is some slight basis in fact for his claim this time.
Usually he is totally off the deep end and insisting on a max share of
abuse.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King