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1911-1915
6-Cylinder Engine 
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 his
in-line 6-cylinder engine was the first Wright-manufactured motor to cool
the entire cylinder and head. Weighing about 300 lb., it had 406
cubic-inch displacement and produced about 50 hp. in the 1911-version. It
retained the characteristic compression release and foot pedal adjusted
timing for the high-tension magneto from previous Wright engine designs.
The Wrights improved the motor in 1912 with cam-operated intake valves
that produced 60 hp and earned the motor the nickname "6-60."
Options included a muffler and dual ignition.
In 1913, the motor was equipped with dual Zenith carburetors, marking
the first time a Wright motor had a throttle. Further improvements gradually
increased the horsepower to 70, and finally 80 hp. The 6-70 had rubber
shock absorbers to transmit power smoothly to the chain sprocket.
References:
- McFarland, Marvin W. (ed), "The papers of Wilbur and Orville
Wright." McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1953, p 1215-1216, plate
230.
- Hobbs, Leonard S., "The Wright Brothers' Engines and Their
design." Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1971,
pp 48-56.
- Lippincott, Harvey H., "Propulsion System of the Wright
Brothers." In Wolko, Howard S. (editor), "The Wright Flyer,
an Engineering Perspective." The Smithsonian Institution Press,
1987, pp 89-91.
[Submitted by Joe W. McDaniel]
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Early Wright 6-cylinder engines were more or
less extended versions of the 4-cylinder engines.
Later, the Wright Company made significant design
improvements that increased the horsepower, reliability, and ease of
operation.
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