Historical information

This engine was used by RAAF 21 Squadron personnel to manufacture and fit up exhaust systems and had been left standing for a long time without any preservation treatment. Much effort was put in to free up the motor and after it had been made to turn, checks by borescope showed some fretting had occurred in the cylinder bores.
This was deemed not serious enough to warrant a strip down. It did need repairs to the ignition looms and various other adjustments but first started on the 16 July 2009. Various fuel problems were evident and repairs have been done and it now runs very well. All parts used in getting this motor to run successfully came from the fund's own stock or parts included in other purchases.

Physical description

The Pratt & Whitney R 1830 is a double row 14 cylinder air cooled radial engine with a capacity of 1830 cubic inches, (30 litres), developing some 1200 horsepower at a maximum 2700 rpm.

Inscriptions & markings

Engine Number 722