From: "Russell Duffy" <13brv3@bellsouth.net>
Date: 2004/12/18 Sat PM 07:54:29 EST
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Engine damage thoughts

Cut the filter open. Nothing there? Probably nothing wrong.

Lynn E. Hanover

 
Say, now there's an idea.  I have one of the Peterson filters, and took it
apart already.  There were a few flakes of something black, but I think
those are bits of hose from the last hoses I made.  I try to clean the hoses
out, but figure the filter will catch whatever I miss.  I'm sure I can tell
whether these flakes are rubber or metal.  What sort of material would you
expect to see in the filter if the bearings got toasted (he says expecting
to hear "black flakes")?   Thanks to everyone for their opinions.  On the surface, it would seem safer
to take it apart, but you have to realize that it was put together by Bruce
Turrentine, and would now be put together by me as the first engine I've
assembled.  Safer?  Not necessarily :-)   If there's any doubt, I'll certainly take it apart.  The added benefit would
be to install the new apex seals, and have the rotors ceramic coated.
Primarily, I hesitate to do all this because it will delay the whole thing
until after they get done with my hanger (whenever that may be).  I just
don't want to have everything taken apart and spread around when they give
me my one week notice to move out.   I think there's a reasonable chance I
can get the plane flyable again before I get kicked out, assuming I don't
take the engine apart, and the oil cooler re-fit goes well.   Speaking of oil coolers, I forgot to comment on the pics Al posted.  Those
look like something out of a TIG welding textbook.  Absolutely beautiful
work.  My next cooler will either be built like a tank, or under no pressure
at all.   Cheers,
Rusty (wings back on)