flyrotary@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

Ed,

Thanks for posting your inspection list. May I suggest some additions to the Engine section, such as a compression check (I think you mentioned this earlier), oil change & oil analysis (likely covered in your Lubrication System section), spark plug check, alternator check for noisy bearings, worn brushes (probably covered in the Electrical System section), also V-belt/serpentine belt inspection. Do you ever remove the exhaust header and inspect the apex seals and inside the rotor housings (is this even possible)?

Any suggestions on checking water pump bearings? On my road bound vehicles, I usually check the wp by wiggling the fan blade (engine stopped) and watch for excessive movement. Since we don’t use fans, I can’t think of a way to check for bearing play. I suppose it can be done by removing the belts and wiggling the wp pulley.

Thanks,

Mark

From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Ed Anderson
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 4:35 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Filterr or not to Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update

Mark, I have a nice one written down, but guess it wouldn't take long to do that. Perhaps we could start one and folks could add to it. They will need to tailor it for their own installation in any case.

I'll write down what I inspect (focusing mainly on the FWF area) and post it. For instance I inspect each inch of fuel line FWF - last inspection I found a stainless steel braided line which returns fuel from pressure regulator to sump tank leaking (oozing) through the braid about 2" above the sump fitting- not under any stress/heat/pressure in that area, so a bit of a surprise - about the last place I would have expected the line to leak. )

The major FWF categories I focus on are:

Fuel System

Ignition System

Lubrication System

Coolant System

Engine

a. Induction

b. Exhaust

Gearbox

Electrical System

EC2

Prop/Spinner

Motor Mount

For example on the Fuel system here is what I check for.

Fuel System:

1. Check all FWF Fuel connections/lines for evidence of leaks/chaffing/damage (examine connections closely)

2. Drain Sump tank, remove quick drain, inspect "O" ring - replace drain

3. Disconnect and inspect coarse fuel filter screens - replace.

4. Turn on Boost(Low pressure pump), time required to re-fill sump < = 3 seconds

5. Remove and Replace EFI high pressure fuel filters (Check Saginaw "O" rings - replace if needed)

6. Check Both EFI pumps for pressure

a. Disconnect and block fuel return to Pressure regulator (I simply screw on an An-6 cap to the disconnected fuel line fitting)

b. Check that Main pump puts out at least 60 psi (Pressure sensor after pump and filter but before fuel rail)

c. Check that back-up pump puts out at least 80 psi

d. Reconnect Pressure Regulator

7. Reconnect components and test for pressure regulation (40 psi min)

8. Check around fuel injectors for any sign of leakage (generally a sign of bad "O" rings)

9. Re-inspect for any new leaks (Important - I have found that at 40 psi fuel can find its way out if there is any path open)

----- Original Message -----

From: Mark R Steitle

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 1:56 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Filterr or not to Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update

Ed,

Do you have an annual “rotary-engine” checklist that you would be willing to share with the group. If not, then you’ve got my email address. ;-)

Mark

From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Ed Anderson
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 12:53 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Filterr or not to Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update

Well, Mark, that was easier than taking the Ross drive off each annual for inspection. Nothing to show for it either - until after approx 160 hrs of flying when I noticed the Sun gear and one of the planetary gear teeth were galling. Of course, then I had a good excuse to buy Tracy's PSRU. I also do compression checks at each annual although not having a "real" rotary compression checker all it really tells me is that my seals are OK and compression is nominal for each rotor (not a big deviation in pressure between the faces).

I may be a bit anal retentive about annuals, but in my opinion it is a once a year thing that can catch things (like the Ross, or radiator gunk) before they become catastrophic. Just my personal opinion of course.

Ed A

----- Original Message -----

From: Mark R Steitle

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 12:19 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Filterr or not to Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update

WOW Ed, I’m impressed. I wonder how many can honestly say they go to this level of detail on their annuals?

Mark

I stick a small "Inspection mirror" up through the AN-16 fitting with a small light shinning on the mirror. (I think next time I will wire a small LED to the head of the mirror - would make it much easier) I then run the mirror up and down the side tank and rotate it at intervals looking mainly at the condition of the small 1/8-1/4" dia cross tank tubes. I look for blockage or any indication of scale/gunk. Thus far I have found none.

Ed A