Fig. 24. Valves and Valve Motion of A. B. C. Motor. (“Aero,” London.)
A very interesting detail of the engine is the combination of the water outlet pipe from the top of the cylinder with the bearings for the rocking arms (which are steel stampings) actuating the valves. This is shown in Fig. 25. A hollow steel column is bolted to the top of the cylinder and protrudes from the water jacket, which is fastened to it with the usual shrunk ring. To this column is attached a hollow T shaped pipe of phosphor bronze, the column of the T piece forming the outlet for the water. On one arm of the T piece the exhaust rocker takes its bearing and on the other the inlet rocker. Each T piece arm is connected to its fellow on the next cylinder by means of rubber pip.
Fig. 25. End Elevation of A. B. C. Motor.
A small bracket projecting from the T piece forms a saddle on which the valve spring rests. This is a plain semi-elliptical leaf spring which works both valves. It is slotted at each end and slightly turned up so as to engage with a cotter pin passed through a slot in the end of the valve stem.
The crank case is of rather unusual design, being absolutely circular in section and machined all over. It is practically a tube with flanged portions bolted on to form the ends. Having no horizontal joints, it is strong and easily kept oil tight. Three radial arms, with slight webs and reinforced with steel columns down the center, support each bearing. The crank case is carried by four feet, which are arranged to accommodate three different widths of engine bearer. To the fore end of the crank case is bolted a long conical aluminum nose carrying at its extremity a compound push and pull ball bearing 6 in. in diameter, which supports an extension shaft bolted to the crankshaft by means of a flanged coupling.
Fig. 24-a. “Sixteen” Cylinder Favata Radial Type Aero Motor, Consisting of Four Groups of Two Cylinders Per Group. Cylinders are of the Double Acting Type and are Stationary.
At the outer end of this extension is a flange to which the propeller is bolted, but the arrangement is specially devised to make quick detachment possible. The boss of the propeller has a hollow hub and is plate bolted permanently to it by twelve bolts.