Running Exposed Valve Gear

Very early aircraft (that would be airplanes as helicopters weren't around then) had exposed valve gear though I haven't studied how they were lubricated or how frequently. Keep in mind that during flight, they were not encountering any dirt in the air and therefore the greatest exposure to dirt damage was during take off when both the prop and wheels kicked up dust and dirt to injure the exposed items. Oil was turned into a messy lapping compound. Dirt damage could also occur during landing, but to a lesser degree as in landing, the prop was generaly wind-milling or throttle was reduced. And, these things probably ran at about 2000 PRM on take off

I recall back in the 60's, someone made clear plastic valve covers for SBC's, but I don't think they ever gained much popularity.

For adjusting valves while the engine is running, they make little clips that go on the rockers to prevent or reduce the amount of oil splashed all over the place.... mostly on your hands and when the oil was real hot.... hmm, gloves, now there's an idea.

 

I think the answer to your question is also the reason only a rare few of these type motors exist today.

 

Many of the early racecars had exposed valve gear-my 1916 racer had it like many others. In some of these cars they would carry up to 5 gallons of oil under the cowl and the riding mechanic would pump oil by hand to the necessary parts. If you study old racing photos you will see oil streaming down the lengths of the bodies. On the board tracks they used to argue which was more slippery the oil or the sand thrown down to soak up the oil. Some of the pumps on these early race car did not push the volume at the same rate as many of the "modern" racing engines. Some of this late model stuff may look more like oil gusher than lubricators I am afraid. -Jim

 

If you are not running a hood, have good wiper blades.

 

Rpm and spring pressures were a LOT lower back then,
and adjustments,to compensate for wear,were regularly required.

Oil consumption wasn't a consideration.

 

I did read about a couple of years back of some Valve covers that were clear on the top. I think they were kinda of expensive though.

 

There is nothing cooler than an old engine with exposed valvetrain clacking away. But running a modern engine that way would be like putting 21" wood spoke wheels on a late model car...a neat thing where it dosn't belong.

 

Waukesha (Dresser) OCTANE engines are still that way today (at least the ones I'm familiar with). I think the CETANE engines may have a cover, though. If you even have the chance to watch one in action, they are pretty cool. Hand oiled before each run. 900 rpm so the oil doesn't fling too far.

You can see them in refineries and university engine labs.

Here's a link...
http://www.geocities.com/runyardj/octane1.html

 

I've seen some with grease fittings. According to the vintage airplane guys, there ain't much corrosion on surrounding metal parts...

-bill

 

i will own that car! (peformance or not)