One for Merlinpete……

I must admit I thought that black paint was used on engines for its heat dissipation properties, but that wouldn’t explain why some radial engines appear to be painted grey!

I’d be curious too, but not just for Merlins – I collected a few boxes of Gipsy Major parts a couple of weeks ago and the crankcase and most other major parts in the collection were in the black finish – not something added later thats for sure !

Thanks Baz.
Ask me the one question I don`t know the answer to why don`t you!

Well, black apparently dissipates heat better than any other colour, including bare metal. I assume they must have been aware of this?
It is the worst colour for spotting fluid leaks, which could be why the civilian Merlins were painted grey, or maybe just to distinguish them. Merlins in the Argonaut were bare metal with a yellow lacquer applied, again good for seeing leaks.

Anyone else know?

Pete