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Difference between revisions of "Common Questions and Answers"
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Common Questions and Answers (view source)
Revision as of 01:02, 14 March 2022
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The cylinders in a radial engine are arranged in a circle around the crankshaft, so the cylinders on the bottom of the engine are upside down. Over time gravity causes the oil to drain from the upper cylinders down to the lower ones, where it collects. Since the cylinders on the bottom are upside down, and the valves and seals are not designed to contain it, the oil leaks out around them. | The cylinders in a radial engine are arranged in a circle around the crankshaft, so the cylinders on the bottom of the engine are upside down. Over time gravity causes the oil to drain from the upper cylinders down to the lower ones, where it collects. Since the cylinders on the bottom are upside down, and the valves and seals are not designed to contain it, the oil leaks out around them. | ||
This is also the reason that propellers on aircraft with radial engines are “pulled through” before a flight. It is to recirculate the oil through the engine and prevent the “hydrolock” caused by this pooling. | This is also the reason that propellers on aircraft with radial engines are “pulled through” before a flight. It is to recirculate the oil through the engine and prevent the “hydrolock” caused by this pooling.{{efn|The “hydro” in “hydrolock” does not refer to water. It is a shortened form of “hydraulic” or “hydrostatic”.}} | ||
=== Why do some aircraft have folding wings? === | === Why do some aircraft have folding wings? === | ||