Is it just the heat or does the RPM get you too?

[Uriah]

I know overheating an engine will burn it out. And overheating an engine is associated with high RPM, but not always.

But I think you can do extreme RMP but keep the engine cool enough and still destroy an engine.

I am thinking that happens because so much stress is put on the engine that things like push rods will bend and break.

So, in this game, can you kill an engine without overheating it and just by to high RPM?

[216th_Jordan]

I guess so. P40's engine breakes in a dive if you forget to reduce rpm and it revs up. I have not conducted any tests though.

[7.GShAP/Silas]

Yes, you can. Especially easy to try for yourself with the Stuka.

[andyw248]

 

 

And overheating an engine is associated with high RPM, but not always

 

Not necessarily. Overheating is caused by the combination of the following conditions:

• Putting a high load on the engine - high power, low airspeed
• Not cooling the engine enough

For example, when climbing you put a high load on the engine - the airflow is low because you climb at a low airspeed. Therefore, you will also have to provide a lot of cooling. The fact that you climb at high RPM actually helps reduce the load on the engine - just like in your car: if you try to climb a hill when in high gear you can hear your engine aching...

 

However, when descending the load on the engine is low - typically you descend at low power, but airspeed is still high enough to provide good airflow. This is where you can close your radiators, to prevent the engine from overcooling.

 

Cruise flight is somewhere in the middle, so you want to keep your radiators somewhat open.

[Finkeren]

I have insta-killed the engine on the I-16 in a dive through what I presume was over-rev'ing.

[andyw248]

Might have been a mechanical failure... diving in a radial I-16 should have given you plenty of airflow. Does techno-chat tell us what the engine died from?

[216th_Jordan]

I generally think the Oil should take care of the engine so that would give you the clues. so oil would take care of engine wear and heat. Not really into that though.