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Yes, Mark, a compression check is part of the
engine routine. Oil/filter change (but not oil analysis) is part of
the Lubrication inspection as you surmised. I inspect the exhaust headers
for cracks and also the exhaust plugs for EGT and O2 sensor. I examine the
O2 sensor but not the EGT. I normally do not take the headers off
to inspect the apex seals as I presume if my compression is OK the seals are
OK. I have done it and you can (in my installation), just undo four nuts
drop the header down and look up the exhaust port to the apex seals. You
can push them in and out of their slots and observe their wear surface but other
than that I don't know what you would be looking for and as I mentioned - if I
have good compression, I conclude the seals are OK.
I only check the waterpump bearings for leakage -
my experience with water pumps indicates you will start to see coolant seepage
before bearing problems. Good point thought, it would be easy to loosen
the alternator belt and see if the pump pulley would waggle.
Good ideas, keep them coming and we'll get a
comprehensive check list.
Ed A
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 9:32
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Filterr or not
to Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update
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:
For example on
the Fuel system here is what I check for.
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 -----
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.
-----
Original Message -----
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.
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