My engine keeps stalling

[SetNode]

I have a problem... The engine on my amphibious vehicle (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2054658797) keeps stalling when I try to move.

At first it was a power issue. My power kept depleting and the generator couldn't keep up. At this time, the clutch was controlled by a throttle lever, and the engine throttle by W/S. I tried switching from a switch-operated ignition to a push button, but then the engine wouldn't keep running

Later, I tried switching the controls: controlling the throttle with a throttle lever, and the clutch with W/S. the engine now starts normally. RPS is at 20 (looks like it's idling there), power isn't depleting, and the generator seems to be generating power. The problem now is that my engine keeps stalling when I'm trying to move. (Brakes were off, btw.) I tried adding a second 3:1 gearbox, but to no avail.

(note: The engine compartment is cramped, and the piping is messy.)

[Ra-Ra-Rasputin]

Just gonna link like this because Steam doesn't like unclean links :)
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2054658797

Also looking at your engine, it's woefully underpowered. I should be able to sneak in a fix though. Give me a a dozen or two minutes.

[Ra-Ra-Rasputin]

Well, i did catch a couple fishes in Animal Crossing too, but here it is now.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2054756413

Your gearbox was 1:3 by the way, because the arrows were pointing at the engine. That's basically like trying to start a car in 7th gear

[SetNode]

Originally posted by Ra-Ra-Rasputin:

Your gearbox was 1:3 by the way, because the arrows were pointing at the engine. That's basically like trying to start a car in 7th gear

Wdym 1:3? I set the gearboxes to 3:1.

Are the gearboxes directional? I just thought the orientation didn't matter.

[Ra-Ra-Rasputin]

Yep, the gearbox can't detect its direction, because there's so many different engine setups that can have the gearbox in unconventional locations (and even without engine in some cases)

The arrows determine which way the ratio sits. Arrows toward the engine means high gear, away from engine means low gear. They are shown as standardized ratios.

Anyhow, i put in 2 gears, it can happily reach 100km/h with a twin small engine setup, although i might have left the ratio of second gear too low. I didn't test the water drive (it should float, even with the large amount of fuel) nor did i wire it up with the simplified ECM i put in place.

[SetNode]

Originally posted by Ra-Ra-Rasputin:

Yep, the gearbox can't detect its direction, because there's so many different engine setups that can have the gearbox in unconventional locations (and even without engine in some cases)

The arrows determine which way the ratio sits. Arrows toward the engine means high gear, away from engine means low gear. They are shown as standardized ratios.

Anyhow, i put in 2 gears, it can happily reach 100km/h with a twin small engine setup, although i might have left the ratio of second gear too low. I didn't test the water drive (it should float, even with the large amount of fuel) nor did i wire it up with the simplified ECM i put in place.

Well, thank you very much for your help. Btw, what's an ECM? I'm pretty sure it doesn't mean Electronic Countermeasures in this context.

(Also, it doesn't float, lol. But I think I can fix that myself.)

[Ra-Ra-Rasputin]

Engine Control Module

And yes, acronyms are silly. It makes it sounds more complex than it is, though, and cool!