Originally Posted by madpogue (Post 23086540)

Doesn't a piston engine have multiple crank arms, that make up the crankshaft, that sits in the crankcase? Wouldn't that have been true even if the first reciprocating engines had electric starters rather than external cranks?

Good thing we're not fretting over musical instrument terminology.

Originally Posted by cyccommute (Post 23089184)

I was incorrect on calling it a “crank arm” rather than a “crankshaft” but it is still encased in the crankcase. But you have the wrong terminology as well. The pistons are moved up and down on piston rods that are attached to the crank. A crank that is still in a crankcase.

Originally Posted by madpogue (Post 23086540)

Doesn't a piston engine have multiple crank arms, that make up the crankshaft, that sits in the crankcase? Wouldn't that have been true even if the first reciprocating engines had electric starters rather than external cranks?