Blown cylinder

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LZ-WIL
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Location: LBSF

Blown cylinder

Post by LZ-WIL »

Hello,

Yesterday, as I was having a cross country trip in B-17 trough central US, a red message under "Shift+2" menu appeared: "We have some problems with engine 3". After a quick scan through the gauges, I could not find anything wrong with the number 3. I was both excited and surprised to see this one so early in my B-17 flying progress. (only 13hrs on the engines and the frame) I continued my flight with no interruptions to my destination airport. However during flight I noticed that the 3rd engine cowling vibrates a bit more compared to the rest three engines, I was eager to find what was the issue. Maintenance hanger mechanic said, that engine number 3 has a blown cylinder. I was surprised to have a blown (red) cylinder so early in the life of the engines.
The only inappropriate action I did, was to force engines 3 and 4 before they were warm enough, to taxi to the left on the ramp. That fact might have contributed to the issue in some way. I had my first issue with my Flying Fortress and decided to share my excitement. :mrgreen:

Cheerz,
Will
Bonanza, Skylane, Skyhawk, Cherokee, Cub, Texan, Mustang, Warhawk, Spitfire, Flying Fortress

alan CXA651
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Joined: 15 Mar 2016, 08:23

Re: Blown cylinder

Post by alan CXA651 »

Hi LZ-WIL.
The symtoms you mentioned are always connected to a blown cylinder , and the engine seems to run ok , with just more vibration , all i do is monitor oil press and temps more frequently on the engine that has problems , just in case it causes a loss of oil , that would mean a shut down , but so far thats never happend to me yet.
Also blown cylinders can happen anytime , you dont have to abuse them for it to happen either.
regards alan. 8)
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LZ-WIL
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Re: Blown cylinder

Post by LZ-WIL »

Thanks Alan,

That was some useful information, I will monitor oil press and temps next time. I just wondered why it got into the red status - fully blown, before passing through the yellow state. I guess it was it's time. :wink:

Cheerz,
Will
Bonanza, Skylane, Skyhawk, Cherokee, Cub, Texan, Mustang, Warhawk, Spitfire, Flying Fortress

alan CXA651
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Joined: 15 Mar 2016, 08:23

Re: Blown cylinder

Post by alan CXA651 »

Hi LZ-WIL.
I have had ASN causing blown cylinders , even after shutdown while in the hangar , with engine open for inspection.
Dont ask how it does this , as i dont know how , but suspect its through simconnect.
regards alan. 8)
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LZ-WIL
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Re: Blown cylinder

Post by LZ-WIL »

Hi,

That is very strange indeed. I don't have ASN, FSRealWX is the weather engine for my setup.

Cheerz,
Will
Bonanza, Skylane, Skyhawk, Cherokee, Cub, Texan, Mustang, Warhawk, Spitfire, Flying Fortress

Zacke
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Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

Re: Blown cylinder

Post by Zacke »

Hey guys,

yesterday I had my first blown cylinder while crossing atlantic from Saint Johns to Shannon. No abuse of the engines except high rpm while t/o for about 30 sec. Forgot to give the rpm to the FE.

The affected engine didn't vibrate more then the healthy ones. It actually ran smoother then the others.

Could somebody explain how cylinders are changed in real life?

Regards,
Zacke

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Jacques
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Location: West Coast, USA

Re: Blown cylinder

Post by Jacques »

An interesting link for you Zacke:
https://youtu.be/3yIxlEsOIVs

Those are the same kind of questions I have!


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WB_FlashOver
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Re: Blown cylinder

Post by WB_FlashOver »

While I was cutting my teeth in the B17 I had a fair amount of blown cylinders. Eventually I figured out that was not being religious about using the air filters below 8,000 feet. Maybe I forget them on descent or maybe I turned them off early so I could get those few more horses out of the engines as I climb out of a canyon. The point is that in my case using the filters as prescribed is vitally important.

I have flown many many miles with a blown cylinder or two as have others. Never seen it effect other components of the engine yet.

Cheers
Roger
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Zacke
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Re: Blown cylinder

Post by Zacke »

Here's another very detailled one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5uRUt0Jww8

I would like to know the Wright 1820 much more in detail. Does anybody have more information on this?

Regards,
Zacke

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Jacques
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Re: Blown cylinder

Post by Jacques »

Have you looked over at ww2aircraft.net? Loads of pdfs about aircraft, engines, accessories...


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Zacke
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Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

Re: Blown cylinder

Post by Zacke »

Lot of good stuff - thanks!

Regards,
Zacke

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