I’m just back from Xmas time off … getting caught up on the list.

First of all, glad to hear you guys (Joe and Jim) both limped back to your respective airfields.

 

Joe, I hated to admit it, but I too have a similar problem to yours, though mine occurred on the ground and was from a combination of impatience and stupidity. This happened back in November on my birthday … it was forecasted to be warmer so I took the day off to work on the project, among other things … wish I had not!!

Having trouble with starting in cold weather, I decided to use non-standard spark plugs in #1 rotor housing ( I have other non-standard in #2 and they are okay) and without properly checking for rotor clearance started the engine … if only I had tried to turn it over by hand. The engine ate the ground tab and part of the electrode off one plug. The apex seals are all nicked, the compression is extremely low and a wear-mark is visible (through exhaust port) on the far wall of the rotor housing. Part of the plug got spat out the exhaust but I’m not sure it all did. I’m definitely looking at new apex seals and probably another rotor housing, will be doing the tear down in a few months; will post details at that time. I’ve decided to work on other things like oil cooler placement and cowlings, while the engine is still hanging on the airframe … need 2 steps forward before taking 1 backward right now.

 

Jeff Whaley