The following instructions are given in the Curtiss Instruction Book for installing the OX-2 engine and preparing it for flights, and taken in connection with the very clear illustration presented no difficulty should be experienced in understanding the proper installation, and mounting of this power plant. The bearers or beds should be 2 inches wide by 3 inches deep, preferably of laminated hard wood, and placed 11-5/8 inches apart. They must be well braced. The six arms of the base of the motor are drilled for 3/8-inch bolts, and none but this size should he used.
1. _Anchoring the Motor._ Put the bolts in from the bottom, with a large washer under the head of each so the head cannot cut into the wood. On every bolt use a castellated nut and a cotter pin, or an ordinary nut and a lock washer, so the bolt will not work loose. Always set motor in place and fasten before attaching any auxiliary apparatus, such as carburetor, etc.
2. _Inspecting the Ignition-Switch Wires._ The wires leading from the ignition switch must be properly connected--one end to the motor body for ground, and the other end to the post on the breaker box of the magneto.
3. _Filling the Radiator._ Be sure that the water from the radiator fills the cylinder jackets. Pockets of air may remain in the cylinder jackets even though the radiator may appear full. Turn the motor over a few times by hand after filling the radiator, and then add more water if the radiator will take it. The air pockets, if allowed to remain, may cause overheating and develop serious trouble when the motor is running.
4. _Filling the Oil Reservoir._ Oil is admitted into the crank-case through the breather tube at the rear. It is well to strain all oil put into the crank-case. In filling the oil reservoir be sure to turn the handle on the oil sight-gauge till it is at right angles with the gauge. The oil sight-gauge is on the side of the lower half of the crank-case. Put in about 3 gallons of the best obtainable oil, Mobile B recommended. It is important to remember that the very best oil is none too good.
5. _Oiling Exposed Moving Parts._ Oil all rocker-arm bearings before each flight. A little oil should be applied where the push rods pass through the stirrup straps.