The problem of dynamics of liquid columns, particularly in Diesel engine injection systems, requires a knowledge of the velocity of propagation of compressional waves in the system. Approximate values are generally used in the solution of such problems. In an effort to correlate the physical properties of petroleum oils with the velocity of wave propagation and to relate the characteristics determined at atmospheric pressure with those at higher pressures, tests were conducted in the Physical Laboratories of the Standard Oil Company of California on thirty‐seven hydrocarbon oils at atmospheric pressure. Five hydrocarbon oils were investigated in the Mechanical Engineering Laboratories at the University of California at four temperatures ranging from 57°F to 210°F, and pressures ranging from 500 lb. per square inch to 6000 lb. per square inch. In this paper the experimental methods are described and results presented.