How can i figure out the firing order of a 28 cylinder aircraft radial engine?

Question

How can i figure out the firing order of a 28 cylinder aircraft radial engine?

Answer 1

From what iv seen on the net while i was researching this, If I have the correct engine in mind you should have 4 rows of 7 cylinders with one cylinder firing in each of the rows at different points before returning to the first row.  If the spark is controlled with a cap and rotor setup like on a car engine you should be able to trace the firing order by finding the TDC of the compression stroke for each cylinder and marking it and the cap point that is lined up with the rotor at the same time.  then you dont have to worry about finding the number one cylinder, you just have to connect wires between lined up cap points and cylinders that are at TDC of the compression stroke as you turn the cam.   this will only work if the cap and rotor haven't been removed and are still in the correct position for the firing order.

this will be a lot of work but I imagine it will be worth it.

I hope this helps

good luck

Answer 2

4 rows of 7 cylinders each.  

each row: 1,3,5,7,2,4,6

Answer 3

go on wikipedia.org

Answer 4

The same way that you do for any engine. Find TDC of the number one piston (its always marked) and then turn the cam until each piston comes to TDC. Mark them out and you have your firing order.

Answer 5

Having never worked on the 4360, I can only presume the timing of the old "corncobs" is a nightmare.

When all else fails, resort to the manual for the engine.

Or contact the CAF. I know of one old duffer that was part of the Lancaster wing with one sitting in a crate in his garage. For a six pack, he can probably either go look or fax you the manual.

Do you have any idea how happy I am that I never had to deal with 56 sparkplugs and cigarette leads?

JT

Answer 6

turn two rotations while checking compression of all cylinders.

you need to know where 1 is.

compression sequence indicates firing order

Answer 7

is it marked on the manifold