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Inline engine mounted on its Side

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DaveD

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 28, 2010
Messages
375
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Inline auto engines invariably have the crank at the bottom as this is most convenient for a car transmission, but planes typically need the prop near the top for visibilty and prop clearance. I was looking at the airtrikes website and noticed some photos of installations of Geo and Honda Fit engines which had been rotated so the engines were close to horisontal (or at least over 60°) and the reduction drive had then been angled to place the prop in a high position. What are the issues with laying an engine on its side? As a starter, I came up with these:
  • Oil pickup from the sump no longer being in the correct place
  • Oil not draining properly from the head to the sump
  • Splash lubrication from the crank throws not working a designed (do modern engines even use this? Engine design is not my area of expertise!)
  • Air/vapour bubbles collecting in the block
I was thinking side forces on the pistons, but I don't think boxer type flat engines have different piston designs to cope with this so I guess it's a non-issue.

any more?
 
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