R-4360 Service History C-97 and KC-97 Aircraft in Air National Guard Units. Gives a breakdown of hours of engine life and reasons for removal.
R-4360 Service
History of the Development of R-4360 Engines
http://www.enginehistory.org/P&W/R-4...360History.pdf
“R-2800 Pratt & Whitney’s Dependable Masterpiece”, Graham White. Operating and maintenance procedures are the key to longevity. Unlike the gas turbine which can withstand ham fisted throttle movements and less than stellar maintenance, a sensitive device such as a radial demands an equally sensitive operator. The R-2800 could survive 3,000 hours between overhauls when in regular use and subject to skilled operation and good maintenance, though 2,000 hours was more typical. During this time it was not unusual for a number of cylinders to be replaced.
Like any high performance piston engine, the R-2800 needs to be taken care of, and in return it will give hours of trouble free running. Unlike turbines the R-2800 had charisma and personality. On a cold morning many a flight engineer or pilot has fussed and cussed at the R-2800 as it took its own sweet time to come to life. The pilot or flight engineer needed the dexterity of an organ player, the skill of an engineer and a little luck to operate this charismatic engine. Yes, this pampered lady could be a monumental pain in the rear but treated nicely would reward with its own brand of mechanical music.
It still sends chills down the spine of aviation enthusiasts to watch the wonderful acoustical, pyrotechnic, and smoke screen antics of this wonderful old engine being brought to life. Sensitivity to machinery is a prerequisite for operating the R-2800. Abused and it will bite back in the form of low time between overhaul, high fuel consumption, and other maladies. This is an old lady that does not take well to mistreatment.