Specifications

DCS
[P-51D Mustang]
40
AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW
Figure 22: P-51D Radiators
An outlet door on the bottom of the air scoop controls the oil temperature. Under ordinary conditions
this door is operated automatically. However it can be operated manually when running the engine
on the ground or in case the automatic regulator fails in the air. This can be done by means of the Oil
Radiator Air Control switch, located on the Radiator Air Control panel on the left side of the cockpit.
The switch has three positions: AUTOMATIC, OPEN, and CLOSE. The door can be set in any position
by holding the toggle switch in the OPEN or CLOSE position for the necessary length of time
(approximately 20 seconds), then returning the switch to neutral.
The oil system uses standard Air Force oil dilution equipment. This allows the oil to be thinned with
gasoline to make the engine easier to start in ambient temperatures below 40°F. Thinning the oil
requires allowing the engine to idle with the coolant flap open until the oil temperature drops to 50°C
or less. Then, before stopping the engine, oil is diluted using the Dilution switch on the Engine
Control panel of the front dash. This will dilute the oil until the engine is ready to be started again.
Once the engine warms up, the gasoline in the oil is quickly evaporated.
Air intake
Oil Radiator
After Cooler and Engine
Coolant Radiator
Controllable Outlet
Doors
Actuating
Unit
Actuating Unit