Method of Reducing Fuel Consumption by Peening

Author:  Robert E. Hayden, Sr.
Source:  US Patent 4,258,084
Doc ID:  1978050
Year of Publication:  1978
Abstract:  
A method of reducing fuel and oil consumption in an internal combustion engine in which the cylinder walls of the engine are peened with glass spheres having a diameter within the range of form about 0.002 inches to about 0.004 inches. The glass spheres form a multiplicity of local depressions and surface compression at the points of impact and are directed against the cylinder walls for a period of time sufficient to form the depressions over the entire surface area without leaving flat portions of the surface between the depressions. In some embodiments the cylinder walls are coated with a lubricating agent such as graphite prior to being peened. After the peening step the walls are lightly honed to produce substantially flat supporting areas between the individual depressions.