Here is a question that I think we may be able to find the answer to. The P38 had two Allison V1710 engines which rotated in opposite directions. How was the reversal of direction achieved?
There is a lot of BS out there on the net about changing the firing order, installing the crankshaft the other way round and inserting an additional idler pinion to drive the engine accessories. Anyone who knows anything at all about engines knows this can't be the whole story because there are obvious problems with valve timing and cam drives which are not explained by the claims.
These engines are still used by war-bird enthusiasts, pylon racers and tractor pullers etc. so I'm guessing there are guys out there who still mechanic on these on a regular basis and know how this contra-rotation worked.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
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