I have developed a small coolant
leak in the #2 rotor of my renesis. It seems to be limited to the engine sitting
for long periods of time. I discovered it when checking the plugs after the
engine had not been started for a couple of months while fitting the new
supercharger. The leading plug was wet. Pulling the prop through sprayed some
coolant out of the leading plug hole. I checked the fluid level and it was a
little lower than I remember. I
added some water and marked the level on a stick for reference. The next day I
check the level and found no measurable drop. Since I had just installed the larger
supercharger I decided to do a few ground runs and check the coolant for leaks
and keep a close eye on the water pressure. I made several ground runs and
everything was normal. The plane was schedule for body work at a paint shop as
soon as I could make the 50 mile trip. I waited a few days and rechecked the
fluid level. Again no measurable drop.
I then made three short flights around the airport to check out the new
supercharger and kept a close eye on water pressure and temps. Everything was
normal. After checking the coolant level the next day I made the trip to the
painters. The flight was normal but the pilot was a little nervous.
The plane has not been started for six
weeks and it sprayed maybe two tablespoons of coolant when pulling the prop
through. I did not have my measuring stick but I could tell coolant level was a
little lower then the last time I had checked it.
I will most likely have to
replace the o-ring. I overheated one time last summer during a ¾ mile uphill
taxi and OAT above 100F. The tarmac temps could have been 115F. I shut the
engine down when the coolant temps got to 225F but they kept climbing. I think
it took two gallons of water to refill the system.
Since my water pressure is normal and
does not leak down rapidly after shutdown is it possible the engine heat is
sealing the O-ring ? Maybe I just
need to re-torque the big bolts.
Bobby
Hughes
RV10
Renesis