Chris, having had some experience with that problem (the only problems I haven't had experience  with is turbo related {:>).

A couple of things - one of course, is the possibility of the "O" ring slipping out of place, bad oil pump, oil regulator, etc.

However, one thing that nearly bit me is I flew for 10 hours without the woodruff key in the oil pump shaft.  The nut torque was holding it in place until I had a start (with throttle Wide open on a cool morning with 50 W oil) which broke the nut torque loose - when taxing out for take off at Tracy's but could get oil pressure above 25 psi - so aborted the planned take off.  Finally took the oil pan off only to hear some "clinking" in the pan.  As soon as I picked it up the metal object , I knew what the problem was.

Apparently  while I had inserted the key, when I pushed the gear sprocket on the shaft I push the key out fall enough to catch it between the sprocket and aluminum pump housing when I torqued the nut (the impression of the key was in the pump housing).  So if didn't fall into the pan or out on the bench where I might have noticed it.  However, once the engine fire up for the first time it threw the key into the pan.

Fortunately leaving the throttle Wide Open and forgetting to close it before engine start caused the engine to zoom to 5500 rpm and the 50 weight oil apparent cause the nut to lose its grip and although I didn't really believe I had an oil problem (thought it was probably the sensor) , I just couldn't talk myself into taking off - fortunately.

Ed

Edward L. Anderson
Anderson Electronic Enterprises LLC
305 Reefton Road
Weddington, NC 28104
http://www.andersonee.com
http://www.eicommander.com


So just add woodruff key to your checklist if its not already there.

Ed

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Chris Barber" <cbarber@texasattorney.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2012 2:29 PM
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Oil pressure again

I don't think it is the sensors as I have two and the drop is consistent on both. I have both the RWS sensor and the Dynon.   It seems to be having trouble getting in the mid 20 psi range.

I have a busy week so I think I am about to order new oil pump and O-ring and spacer  Hopefully it will arrive about the time my time frees up  I figure it can't hurt and that will pretty much make everything in the engine new except the rotors and e-shaft.

Chris

Sent from my iPhone 4

On Aug 26, 2012, at 1:15 PM, "Bobby J. Hughes" <bhughes@qnsi.net> wrote:

Chris

How much has it dropped? Could it be the sensor? I had one fail early in phase 1. Every time I pitched up the pressure would drop and trigger an alarm.

Bobby


Sent from my iPad

On Aug 26, 2012, at 9:11 AM, "Chris Barber" <cbarber@texasattorney.net> wrote:

My oil pressure has dropped again. I am jumping to the conclusion it is that pesky front cover O-ring. I know I was meticulous with installing it last time. While it may be something else, I doubt it. I had the pressure valve fall into the pan a couple of years ago and it is now safety wired in. Perhaps it is the oil pump but it seems so simple and not prone to failure.

So, to make this more than a vent, as I know mostly how to address this....contrary to the evidence that I am having to screw with it again, is there any words of wisdom y'all would care to share. Since I will at least have the front cover off (should be able to do do with engine on the plane) would this be a good time to replace the oil pump. It has not been replaced in the past do it is many years old with an unknown number of miles. Is there a "better" oil pump out there than the turbo version offered by Mazdatrix that I should ponder?

I may have the oil ring and plastic retaining ring already if I can find them. Just gotta find the time to crack into it.  Then to continue my turbo diagnosis. Great power without intercooler (even though I found no restriction, but it is a super cheap intercooler from eBay) and blow off valve or even N/A. Obvious limited breathing with the cheap intercooler and blow off valve

TIA.

Chris Barber
Houston

Sent from my iPhone 4
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