Why is the gas engine “short-lived” as compared to a steam engine?
It must run at much higher speeds, making lubrication uncertain and difficult, and because of this high speed, there is increasing wear and strain. At 3000 revolutions per minute each piston travels up and down the cylinder fifty times per second, which is an almost incredible situation. Another reason is because in exploding (or burning) the fuel in the cylinder, the most delicate parts of the engine, the valves, pistons, and cylinder walls, are exposed to the terrific heat of combustion and the action of the burning gases at these high temperatures. It is no exaggeration to say that the cylinder is actually used as a fire-box.
