Thread: ENGINE BASICS
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Old June 14th 09, 04:16 AM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Torn Lawence
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Default ENGINE BASICS

Dan D wrote:


"Charles Vincent" wrote in message
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Torn Lawence wrote:
The British made some WWII engines with rotating cylinder sleeves that
had in and out ports cut into them - rotary valves! No poppets. Good
performance, but burned oil and left conspicuous smoke trails, not a
good thing for a warbird to do.

That's what I remember from an engine class, unless I'm hallucinating
again.


That was a sleeve valve engine, Harry Ricardo's magnum opus. The
Bristol Hercules and Centaurus. Wear was an issue they never did tackle.

Charles


They still live today, but in a different form?

http://www.rcvengines.com/corporate/rcv_technology.htm


Now THAT'S interesting. They have some with the prop shaft as part of
the rotating cylinder head, instead of the crank.
http://www.rcvengines.com/rcv120sp.htm