Radial vs. Inline

[nrshida]

That is just the crank case, like in the picture I've already posted.

Yeah, that was sort of my point.

The cylinder banks are cast and machined as separate parts, unlike in a typical car engine.

Yes thank you, I am familiar with the Merlin engine. Also motorcycle and car engines. Have rebuilt quite a few of those which I found to be of an identical architectural approach to the Merlin. Even at 22:10.

Perhaps if you consistently used accepted terminology we could all get a handle on the differences in production you are claiming. Are you under the illusion that the barrels and heads are typically one piece? Are you talking about cylinder liners versus Nikasil / Alusil, for example?

[nrshida]

Typical car engine block.

I think I see what you're driving at, that the crankcase and barrels are one piece? This isn't actually historically very typical.

[GScholz]

I think I see what you're driving at, that the crankcase and barrels are one piece? This isn't actually historically very typical.

For American car engines it is.


Are you doing ok Shida? Arguing over semantics in a two month old thread doesn't seem like you.

[PR3D4TOR]

Perhaps if you consistently used accepted terminology we could all get a handle on the differences in production you are claiming. Are you under the illusion that the barrels and heads are typically one piece? Are you talking about cylinder liners versus Nikasil / Alusil, for example?

No. Cylinders and heads are usually not in one piece (lol). Cylinders and crank case usually are.

[nrshida]

Are you doing ok Shida? Arguing over semantics in a two month old thread doesn't seem like you.

I didn't bump it 

I was just confused / intrigued by the 'unlike in car engines in inline aero engines the cylinders and crank case are not just drilled out of a block of metal' comment. Would love to have seen a car engine drilled out if a block of metal. In fact your picture came pretty close 

[nrshida]

No. Cylinders and heads are usually not in one piece (lol).

There have been some believe it or not!

Cylinders and crank case usually are.

I think we'll have to agree to differ on the definition of usually. 

[GScholz]

The Americans have been making engines like that for the better part of a century. Heavy and inefficient, but bulletproof... Which is a good thing in America. 

[nrshida]

The Americans have been making engines like that for the better part of a century. Heavy and inefficient, but bulletproof... Which is a good thing in America. 

Doesn't driving very fast through bends also make you difficult to shoot? 

[MiloMorai]

DB engine heads and cylinder one piece.

[pembquist]

radial sound way better and I hate radiator hits online

I disagree with the first part, a Merlin sounds better than ANY OTHER aircraft engine.

[icepac]

Griffon sounds cooler.........especially if it has the counter props.

[pembquist]

Bah!

[nrshida]

DB engine heads and cylinder one piece.

(Image removed from quote.)

Stupid German engineers. How the hell do they think they're going to get the cylinder head gaskets in there? I just don't think they thought that through.

[SIK1]

The fact is that radials were what the post war airliners used before the jet was introduced. They had the best weight to power ratio, they were reliable, and proven. After all it was a radial Lindbergh used on "The Spirit of St. Louis". And nothing sounds better than an R2800 from start up to full song. imho.

 
Sik

[GScholz]

DB engine heads and cylinder one piece.

(Image removed from quote.)

It's upside down!