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tuladin
08-17-2010, 16:17
While browsing an aircraft book (Aircraft of World War I 1914 - 1918 by Jack Herris and Bob Pearson) I noticed that most of the Benz and Mercedes engines have something that looks like a pumpkin stalk sticking out the top of them.

Does anyone know what that is? Part of the cooling system? A smoke stack?:confused:

Coog
08-17-2010, 21:20
I believe it is the exhaust for the in line engine and sticks up so that the exhaust fumes go over the top wing instead of into the face of the pilot.

Attila57
08-19-2010, 09:07
Look at this link:

http://www.vintage-aerodrome.com/manuals.htm

You can find the Albatros C.I replica manual where in the .pdf there's a vertical curved tube ober the engine in some photos.

Some extracts of the .pdf text:

"It was the installation of the excellent 150 h.p.
Benz D III, or 160 h.p. Mercedes D III engine
...
On the earlier C Is the exhaust was ejected
from the cylinders into a tapering expansion chamber
on the starboard side and from thence was ducted
away aft in a long exhaust pipe extending to the rear
cockpit. Later machines had the more familiar collector
manifold exhausting over the top wing from a
single, near vertical, ‘chimney’ pipe.

I agree Bobby's opinion about the explation.

For Albatros DVa and Fokker D VII look at:

http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects

(the link was signed in the thread "Repro engines in action", for example).

The exhaust seems positioned again on a side.

Regards

Attilio

tuladin
08-19-2010, 10:56
Thank you both! That clears up what was a mystery to me.

Attila57
08-19-2010, 11:37
Your welcome!

If you're interested to know something more about WWI engine look at:

http://www.wwiaviation.com/engines/index.html

http://www.century-of-flight.net/new%20site/frames/WW1%20inline_frame.htm

Attilio