Chipmunk engine deep dive!

A close look at the De Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 2 engine as fitted to the Chipmunk and a handful of other fine 1940s-1950s aircraft.

The engine produces 145hp at about 2100rpm and uses 100 octane Avgas. The Chipmunk’s two fuel tanks hold enough for about two hours and 15 minutes flying.

In RAF service the engine was known as a Mk 8. My engine though was originally fitted to a Stampe biplane (similar to a Tiger Moth) so was designated a 10-2 at the factory.

This mark of Gipsy Major was produced both in De Havilland’s own factory as well as by Bristol Siddeley. (Mine is a DH-built one.)

Reason for the engine swap was cracks found in the bearing webs and top cover when I had the engine disassembled and inspected early in the restoration. Luckily, the very low time Stampe engine was available from a seller in Australia.

Do ask any questions you have in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them. I don’t know much but I do have the manuals!

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