Mercedes engines

I think I read here some where something about someone trying to get Mercedes to produce the 180 again. Did I dream this ? Has anything come of it ? Certified or not ? and at what cost ! ???

It would seem that it could be done reasonable cheap. And a fair number could be sold. Or maybe I dreaming again.

Maybe someone could buy the rights to it.

Mike

Mike,

There has been talk and varied interest about re-producing the Mercedes DIIIa 180hp In-Line 6Cyl motor for quite some time. There have been a few people (myself included) that are tossing the idea around. Dan-San had a younger friend ( un-named still) that was going to produce them in an eastern-bloc country for a relatively affordable price. So far, no word of progress as of yet on this young man's progress.

There are so many problems in re-producing a powerplant of the Mercedes's size, most of which is finding blue-prints available. Liability is a HUGE issue here, and regrettably so, that no one wants to release drawings due to the high risk of liability law-suits that loom over the horizon.

But, I am like you - I'd love to see an affordable replica motor be produced. Especially one that could swing an original sized prop for my Full-Scale Fokker D7. I too, once more, have kicked around some ideas. But, support is scarce..

Come to think of it, I am very interested and almost convinced of just saying "the hell withit" and doing it myself. I have the right background ( a machinist) and good contacts and resources. Hmmm... What does everyone think??

If anyone would like to.. please contact me via my email address wich can be found on my profile link.

dtenney

Also mike,

the cost of reproducing an engine would initially be high. Simply because every thing would be made from drawings and sketches of an original engine. Castings would need to be made for the two piece crank-case, cylinders would need to be turned etc... There would be a lot of hours in labor/fabrication time put in.. which can drive up the cost significantly. Also.. and from my own studies of the Mercedes motor - it seems that the Crankshaft itself would be the hardest piece to re-make. Think of the complications here! The crank is really what makes this engine run the way it does, and if it's not done right - either the thing won't run or it won't run right or reliably if it does run.

Well enough of my rants for now... Im still thinking of doing this myself... despite the nay-sayers....

dtenney

GO FOR IT!

The other solution for Mercedes engines with the correct HP and Torque to turn a scale prop is an automotive conversion. A few years back W.W.I Aero published a memorial issue to the reciently passed Cole Palen. It had a photo of the Black Baron (Cole) on the cover with his Triplane (DR-I). The issue cover was black also. In this issue, if I recollect correctly was a very detailed artical on this exact issue. The author used a Chevy inline 6 cyl. often used in trucks (292 CI ?) and computed the required reduction ration to achieve the required HP/Torque. He even recommended some companies that could manufacture a reduction unit. The Prop would be scale and the HP would be correct for the replication of true performance. The only issue would be the engine would run at a higher RPM. (Well within its normal operating band) I am disapointed that I have not seen this put into action as of yet... It seems that the whole unit would be fairly cheap except for the reduction unit; still far cheaper than an actual motor from W.W. I in perfect condition.
Does anyone else recall this artical? ???

Ive got a list of past articles from the WW1 Aero archive. I will have to go through it and see what I can come up with. In the mean time, I'll keep everyone posted..

[Brad]

Actually just the belt unit commonly used on Ford V6 engines would probably be really easy to modify to fit. I think Gershwender or something like that is the name? Or what about a LOM 337? That would come really close. 210 at 2750 rpm, it would need a reduction drive still.


Brad