Radial Engine Oil Leaks
Oil leaks were bad on small radials as well. Flew a 600HP P and W around
PNG for a couple of years, It had a 9 gallon oil tank, used about .5 of a
gallon per hour. Had a close one with oil loss [DHC3]. Had a short flight of
15 min, 10 min into flight oil poured up windscreen, oil pressure a little low
but steady, landed ok. jumped out to find a couple of gallons on the ground.
Dipped the tank , only under .5 of gallon in tank. Couple of minutes more
flight and I would have been not here today. The problem was the HP
pitch control pump had been overhauled some 50 hours before hand and
the pressure adjustment bolt locknut came undone. Had a couple that
night.
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