As Dave mentioned we have coolant in our housing.  Stripped the engine last
night and pulled it from the plane.  In the processes, after removing the
exhaust pipe and plugs, I turned the engine by hand and had coolant squirt
half way down my port wing and what seemed like a couple of quarts come out
of the exhaust.  Yes, Houston, we have a problem.<g>

On the other hand, it was pretty amazing how easily it was to remove most
things.....much easier than trying to figure out how stuff should "go-on".
Since I was intimately familiar with every component it was almost fun (mind
you I said almost....and the real challenge is to come with the tear down
and rebuild).  It is kinda interesting to note how few systems are actually
involved. Also, the mind can't help but wonder and think about how things
can be refined (since this seems to be a fine opportunity to do so. That
being said, most things seem pretty good as is).  With the engine off a few
things that were difficult to access come into full and easy access.  Once I
go my mind wrapped around the idea of the inevitable, it was just time to
roll up my sleeves and dig in and try to make the best of it.  I am counting
my blessings that unlike Ed, I am not stuck in a far away and hostile land,
Louisiana (IIRC) to do a rebuild or like John stated and we all thought, at
10,000 feet on a night cross country.  Also, I am now much more comfortable
with the whole experience of the rebuild since it has been done before (even
if, obviously, not very well, but, hey, it did fire and run for about 8 or 9
hours....that is what the test phase is all about. Right?

I ordered a set of the "super" water O-rings from Pineapple Racing yesterday
(to applaud their sponsorship of some nice how-to video and
rotaryengineillustrted.com).  They should arrive early next week.  I hope
the latest SWMBO will allow me some time to tear the thing down.  Even
though I think we now have the right tools, I am not looking forward to
removal of the big 'ol nut.  I will be wearing my engineer....uh,
"high-water pants when I crack it open in case of further flood waters <g>.
I will also be looking for locust :-).

Any and all insight from you, my friends, is welcome.  Dave and I will, of
course, keep you posted.

All the best,

Chris
Houston
Velocity SE/FG

Christopher Barber
Attorney and Counselor at Law
5116 Bissonnet, No 418
Bellaire, Texas 77401

Serving the Needs of Senior Texans through
Planning with Purpose

281-464-LAWS (5297)
281-754-4168 Fax
www.TexasAttorney.net



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