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Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 11:03:11 -0700
From: Bob White <rlwhite@comcast.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Break-In?
Message-Id: <20051031110311.621709aa.rlwhite@comcast.net>
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Hi Joe,

Here are the instructions I got from Bruce T. when I got my engine.

Run the engine for 5 hours on the ground.

Don't let the oil or coolant temps get above 200 F during the frist 5
hours of break-in.  If it get's to 200, shut it down and let it cool.

Don't exceed 4500 RPM in the first five hours.

For the next 10 hours, don't exceed 6000 RPM.  Flight is OK if it's
safe with that RPM limitation.

This is very conservative compared to what I've seen others do on this
list and I suspect Bruce wants to be extra careful.  I'm expecting to
do the entire 15 hours on the ground.  I want to have as much power as
I can for TO from our 6100 ft. elevation runway.  We'll see what kind
of static and flying RPM's I can get.  I have two props to try, and one
is adjustable, so I should be able to get something reasonable.

Bob W.

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 08:58:17 -0800
"Joe Hull" <joeh@PilgrimTech.com> wrote:

> Well my engine is just humming (roaring?) along. I starts every time,
> runs till I stop it, and it doesn't sound like it is missing or
> "hunting" - RPM is about 1400-1500 with the prop on.  All leaks are
> pretty much gone except for a persistent "weeping" on the oil level
> sensor on the pan that produces a drop over 8-12 hours but never
> drips?  It looks like the only way to fix that is to drain the oil and
> remove it and maybe the pan, and hit with some RTV.
>  
> I've run it now for about a total of 30 minutes in 3-4 different runs
> all of them under 2000 RPM - essentially at whatever I could get idle
> to be. The MicroTech is performing well. However, the Laptop Software
> what gives a graphical view of the Maps and the ability to log data
> requires more than a serial-cable to connect to the ECU. Apparently
> they sell a separate little gizmo ("dongle") that goes between the
> laptop serial-port and the serial-cable to the ECU. So I'm stuck with
> the 2 line handset for now.
>  
> Anyone have any more suggestions on break-in tasks? I re-read some
> archived posts on the subject. It sounds like I should keep it under
> 3000RPM for the first hour or so and then move it up.  Beyond that,
> and with no more leaks to fix, I'm at a loss to know what, if
> anything, I need to do. I really didn't expect it to be this easy.
>  
> Before first flight I want to have at least 10 hours of ground running
> done with at least 1 hour at or above 5000 RPM - and that 1 hour can't
> be the last hour. 
>  
> Should I be checking compression every so often? Timing? Tear the
> engine down and Mic all the parts :-) ? 
>  
> Thanx,
> Joe Hull
> Redmond (Seattle), Washington
> Cozy MkIV #991 (working on Engine & Electrical & Finishing)
>  <http://www.maddyhome.com/canardpages/pages/JoeHull/index.html>
> http://www.maddyhome.com/canardpages/pages/JoeHull/index.html
>  
>  
> 


-- 
http://www.bob-white.com
N93BD - Rotary Powered BD-4 (projected engine start in November)
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