> Is there a danger letting the temps of the rotor housings
> operate at a higher temp as long as we are below the melting point by a
> safe margin(say 350 vs the water cooled 200-250)?
> Ignorance is bliss! :-)
>
> MikeJ
>
The other issue, besided what rusty mentioned, is that you could melt the coolant o-rings.
Dave Leonard
Message
Is there a danger letting the temps of the rotor
housings
operate at a higher temp as long as we are below the melting point
by a
safe margin(say 350 vs the water cooled 200-250)?
Ignorance is
bliss! :-)
MikeJ
It's a nice thought, but
I doubt it would be a good idea. The engine is made up of dissimilar
metals (aluminum rotor housings, steel rotors) that expand at different rates
with temperature. I have to believe that the approved clearances are set
to be optimum for the normal temp, which is probably about 180-200. I
think I read that you start losing power above about 180 also. The other
problem may be the seals. I know the oil temp is supposed to be less than
210 when it enters the engine, to avoid damaging the seals on the rotors, so the
water housing seals may also have the same sort of limits.
BTW, I can't quote any
sources, or actual temps. This is all just my understanding of how it
works, so please correct me if I got any of this wrong.
Cheers,
Rusty
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