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Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:27:43 -0800
From: cbeazley <cbeazley@innovista.net>
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To: flyrotary@lancaironline.net
Subject: Coolant leak + orings + plugs
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Hi Bill;

There is still a debate as to the probable cause:
Folks are dancing around the possibility that some of the o-rings out 
there may be too big to start with, and under temperature and combustion 
pressure, they expand, leaking coolant.  Read some of the reports here 
(some are professional builders):
	http://www.nopistons.com/forums/Review-Rotary-Aviation-t67208.html

People have driven for year(s) with minor leaks and no ill effects.  If 
it overheats a bit - coolant can pass the orings without apparent oring 
damage - not completely a bad thing - you just burn some coolant. 
Sitting, it will rust.
Enough coolant to stall the engine or prevent it from starting puts you 
into the next category.
When in doubt, stick with OEM bits.

On an aside - Tracy mentioned plugs - who is using old 4-prong vs the 
RX8 thin wire plugs.  The old 4-prongs have been reputed to cause cracks 
around plug holes.  Note that the RX8 have moved to single thin wire plugs.

Cheers
Cary