I should have phrased that better.

I was wondering why there were two oil jets, and two different ones at that?

Anybody know?

WA$.

As an educated guess I would say it’s an oil spray jet to lubricate the reduction gear (or bearing).

In your second photo there appear to be two similar (hollow) rods and they look in the right place to spray oil between the gears as they mesh (and onto the bearing).

WA$.

Have found a serial number on it – not on the actual propellor hub but on the front of the large gear just behind it – reads;-
N39/334 6 (or an f) 81 (or 7) 46FW4

Martin,

I’m amazed you were able to find any numbers at all after 60 years in salt water.

6 (or an f) 81 (or 7) 46FW4

This looks suspiciously like a part number. Bristol Engine part numbers start with ‘FB’ (or SFB) followed by five or six digits (usually starting with 1 or 2). Earlier engines seem to have five digits later (Hercules or Centaurus) engines six.

So the part number of this gear would be something like:

FB146??4

Which would not be out of place on a Centaurus.

Not sure about N39/334 but it is probably a batch number used to track parts during manufacture, inspection and service.

Unfortunately you will not find the aircraft serial number on individual engine parts but this does seem to confirm that it is a Centaurus.

WA$.

It’s not from a P-47.

The Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp has a ‘planetary’ type of reduction gear not the Farman type that this relic has.

Don’t underestimate the strength of wood. This prop had to deal with 2300-2500hp from a Centaurus and it’s made of…wood!

WA$.

Have been down and counted the bolts – theres 18 of them…

Centaurus it is then.

Thought it looked like a Centaurus from the reduction gear ratio. Almost all Hercules had a ratio of 0.444:1 and almost all Centaurus had a ratio of 0.400:1 so not much point in counting the teeth.

where do i go from here. ?????????

Back to identifying propeller blades!

WA$.

Lightning!

B^gger, I was desperately trying to recognise that fat belly with the spindly main gear in the background.

Blo^dy obvious now.

Thanks.

WA$.

Martin,

See the excellent picture posted (by Steve P) on the other thread:

“…and Spitfire relic trawled from the Channel”.

Does that look familiar?

WA$.