Just to clarify, the old gentleman Earl, and his step son Chuck set up wind machines for agriculture using WWII surplus engines here in Lake and Mendocino Co., Ca. Earl was able to convert many to burn propane, and he figured out how to stop the classic oil leaks. This engine was the last non converted aircraft lycoming he had. It sat for @ 20 years before this video. The flywheel/fan is from a Continental 7 cylinder radial that was used in tanks. Much safer to run on a stand than the large aircraft or ag. prop.Sadly, Earl has passed away, and I sold the engine to a gentleman from LA., he takes it to shows on a trailer. If you visit the Napa wine region, stop in downtown St. Helena and visit Mike at his Harley rental shop. He purchased several of Earls engines, and will start one up using propane!!!! He also has the VW bug with the radial on the back, and now 2 large bomber radials on trailers. I was able to help Mike to meet Earl before he passed, so Earl and Chuck got to see his engines run again. Thanks everyone for your interest!!!!! Tom
When I was living in Cloverdale, CA the wife and I took a ride to St. Helena and saw the engines you talked about. The big bomber engines with the multiple rows of cylinders are something to behold. I imagine that the mechanics that worked on these big engines were real specialists. I didn’t get to see any of them fired up, but there is a RU-vid video of one them running. The VW is also interesting.
I know that I'm late to the game but THANK YOU for helping to preserve these beautiful relics. These engines are a testimony of what we can do, even though it was during a time of war, we can create such awesome works of craftsmanship. Rest in Peace all those who have served, and served giving their lives.
Just found something about it on Wiki and the HP numbers look dismal, starting at 225 HP. That's not a lot of ponies out of 680 cubes. You'd expect an aircraft engine to give you a much better power-to-weight ratio than that.
