flyrotary@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

Appreciate the input. I do not think I will fly these housings but I find it interesting to determine what is going on inside the motor per the autopsy. I will take the worse one out of the 4 and try a P Port modification. I was looking at Bruces criteria and noticed one of the housings had the grooving on one end. While preparing some presentation material for this week end I noticed that the way the apex seal is designed that the little triangle on the corner could possibly cut that groove. I probably will get new housings for flight. The end and center housings might be re-used depending on how they measure for flatness. i want to use the 89 rotors if they pass inspection.

Joe Berki

Limo EZ

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

From: Ed Anderson

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 3:13 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Worn rotor housings

I certainly agree with George.

Being in the air is not place to have ..." I wish I had ..." thoughts. My view is if there is any question or doubt as to its condition then I replace it. Yes, I know used parts in many cases are more reliable than new as they are past the infant mortality period. I do reuse parts. The e shaft in my 91 block was also in 1986 block - still looks good as new so I naturally reused it.

I tried used rotors and in my case because I did not know to check the critical apex seal slot wear ended up swallowing one and aborting a trip to Sun & Fun. You need to know what is critical about a part and then check that parameter as being comfortably within specifications.

Also, what I might not even have a question about putting in a car - will get rejected for airborne duty - 4F.

Ed

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

From: George Graham

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 3:01 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] Worn rotor housings

My .02 Joe,

My first teardown and rebuild 13b had rotor housings with some of the steel plating missing along one edge. I took them around to every "expert" that I could find, they all agreed that they were fine to use. I then went ahead and assembled the motor, with new seals, gaskets etc.
The motor ran great, like brand new I imagine.

But, When it was time to install the motor into my airplane, I just didn't feel good about those rotor housings, so I found another motor that I've been flying since 1998. By peeking inside I knew that these housings were pristine. I still have the first motor, but I doubt that I will ever use it without another rebuild with new housings.

Bert Rutan said something to the effect of "Do your very best, even that will only be just barely good enough".

I know, that sitting on the end of the runway, I must feel confident that everything is as good as I can get it, in order to enjoy my flight. Others will differ perhaps.

George Graham
Sarasota Florida
Mazda RX7 EZ

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