The final Dope on 4 stroke engine wear.

[Fuel]

*Originally posted by something clever *
**fuel, exactly what are you trying to find out here? maybe if you were a little clearer with maybe the context of the question, or the arguement you were having with your friend that spurred this question, we would be able to tell you exactly what you’re looking for **

What makes you think I haven’t gotten all my answers, and then some?

[Rick]

Great info Boo Boo Foo thanks for the post.

[Berkut]

*Originally posted by Rick *
**Well yeah, you should have. Since the OP mentioned downshifting, and I have never seen an airplane that could be downshifted, colored me lost when I read your post.
**

You’re right, it was my mistake. You can lug an airplane engine by running it at a low RPM, and a high power setting with a constant speed prop. Comparing that to a car going up a hill was probably a little too simplified, considering the differences between the car ignition system and the airplanes.

[Boo_Boo_Foo]

I seem to recall that the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, a 27 litre supercharged AVGAS V12 with a 3 (or was it 5?) stage blower was capable of maintaining a pretty constant 3,000 rpm in flight.

Considering the size of the pots involved, and the blasted 11 foot propellers the Spitfires and P51 Mustangs used to have, I reckon that’s pretty bloody impressive.

Those Merlins, the Packard built ones that is, were also used in Patrol Boats like President JFK used to command in WWII - or for those of you who are less familiar - like the one’s used in McHales Navy. Yep, that’s right - those torpedo Patrol Boats had a pair of Merlins in 'em.