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More Reno (ish) questions!

Posted by Paul McMillan on Mon Apr 29, 2002 04:08:42 AM

After reading the Reno for Gearheads article by Graham White in Air Enthusiast (I would strongly recommend you read this it is great).

I am not an engineer but I have a fair idea of how engines work, but I have a question about the concept of 'blade and fork connection rods' in Merlins and Allison engines: See:

http://www.unlimitedexcitement.com/Miss%20US/Allison%20V1710%20Engine.htm

However, I am confused as to why you have one connecting rod as a blade and the other as a fork? The fork is wider than the blade. Is this something to do with
the fact you have a 'V' in V-12's and their is not enough room or something?

Does this mean half the pistons are 'weaker' that the other half because they only have half the width of the other connecting rods. Or have I missed the plot somewhere completely? And how are these 'paired' i.e is it to do with firing order or something?

Oh and is the firing order the same on Merlins and Griffons and Allisons?? I hope someone can help !

Cheers

Paul

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