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Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2006 19:32:20 -0700
From: Bob White <rlwhite@comcast.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Progress Report
Message-Id: <20060104193220.68556d4c.rlwhite@comcast.net>
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I got to the point today where I could test the starter.  Not trying to
start it yet, I just wanted to turn the engine over.  Cranking with one
of my two batteries, I saw a "voltage too low" warning on the EM2.  I
flipped on the second battery and cranking speed increased and the
warning went away.  With the warning The EM2 was telling me the voltage
was over 10V.  I thought that was enough and I don't think the EM2
display showed the voltage to be much higher with the second battery.

I cranked it for 15-20 seconds and saw the oil pressure start to come
up.  I saw a pressure reading of 88 psi at one point, but the sensor
hasn't been calibrated.  I put 4 quarts of oil in the engine, and
pre-filled the oil filter and oil cooler with another quart.  Now the
oil level on the dipstick is about half way between L and F.  It was
about 7/8ths before cranking.

It looks like I will be trying to actually start the engine tomorrow or
Friday.  All I can think of that needs to be done is install the
exhaust system and test the fuel system for leaks.  I haven't powered
up the EC2 yet.  Hopefully it will work OK.

I'm really happy to be at the point where I'm fixing stuff that doesn't
work instead of installing new stuff.  I was ecstatic to see the prop
turn. :)

Bob W.

-- 
http://www.bob-white.com
N93BD - Rotary Powered BD-4 (Projected engine start - maybe next week)
Custom Cables for your rotary installation -
http://www.roblinphoto.com/shop/