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A test technique to monitor the quality of the fuel in terms of injector nozzle deposit formation has been developed. Injector nozzle deposit is accumulated by fitting injectors to a bench mounted production engine coupled to a dynamometer. The engine is operated according to a simple run/shutdown duty cycle. At the termination of the test, the effect of the deposit on the flow characteristics of the injector nozzles is established. In the case of an intermittent type of injector, the flow is measured. In the case of a continuous type injector, the spray pattern is evaluated.

Motor racing in general and Formula 1 in particular, represents the leading edge in automotive technology. Participation in Formula 1 presents a challenge and an opportunity to the petroleum industry, where significant research benefits can be gained in terms of product development. As a direct result of the regulations governing the composition of the fuels that may be used in motor racing, especially in Formula 1, they have much in common with their commercial counterparts. Racing fuels and lubricants are however optimised for the specific demands of motor racing. The technology gained through this research has had a significant bearing on the procedures and equipment employed in commercial fuel and lubricants development. Because of the very high specific output of a modern racing engine, the fuel evaluation procedure is vastly different from that used on commercial engines.