MiTasol
Captain
Does anyone have a copy of Centaurus XVIII & 57 Aero-Engines AP No. 4146B Vol II Part 3, which I understand is the "Repair and Conditioning" section? Whilst I am particularly after Vol II Part 3, I'll take anything from AP4146B.
I am digging around the engine failures on Sea Furies. From what I have uncovered, the Sea Fury has a high incidence of engine failures regardless of which engine is installed.
The R-2800 and R-3350 generally have more prop overspeeds and carb problems, and the Centaurus usually self destructs. Having said that, they have all failed numerous ways.
I have begun to see a common link between all the catastrophic engine failures, and I hope to get something written up before the two Tempest II's start flying.
A great project so please let us all know the outcome when you have time.
One thing I have come across that results in engine failures on dry sump engine is so freaking obvious that you would expect everyone to know it but I know of multiple cases where these blindingly obvious actions were not carried out.
Any time a dry sump engine fails, as well as changing the engine, it is absolutely critical that the following items are carried out.
- Replace the oil cooler(s)
- Replace or totally purge the oil tank. Purging of some tanks is #$%^&* near impossible as the debris collects in the welded seams on certain designs of tanks. Tanks must be fully disassembled to purge properly. EVERY single fitting and access panel must be removed and cleaned.
- Remove every single pipe and hose in the system and thoroughly clean them. NO exceptions.
- Remove and clean all the other components, like the Y valves etc, and thoroughly clean them.
Failure to do all the above means the new oil you add to the new engine will pick up the very fine metal particles trapped in the system and guarantees the new engine will fail - possibly within minutes of first start.
I have also seen clowns fit new plumbing with tight radius bends that obstruct the oil flow into the engines while fitting clean kits instead of keeping wide sweeping bends that do not restrict oil flow.
I do not know about the Centaurus but with the Hercules it was critical that the correct oil was used. Merely topping up using the standard oils resulted in the oil foaming and that naturally causes engine failures.
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