Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=68.230.241.29; envelope-from=dale.r@cox.net
From: Dale Rogers <dale.r@cox.net>
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Flex plate <> Flywheel 
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:42:06 -0500
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Message-Id: <20050125014204.QPAH7026.fed1rmmtao10.cox.net@smtp.west.cox.net>

Ummm, Guys?

   I can't address how Tracy's adapter is fastened to the 
flexplate, but from the appearance of mine, it follows 
the customs of other automatic transmissions: 

[1]  The torque converter (the *real* flywheel in an 
automatic) is equipped with threaded studs matching the 
hole placement in the flexplate; it is then secured to the 
flexplate with locking nuts.

or 

[2]  The torque converter is equiped with threaded bosses 
matching the hole placement in the flexplate; cap screws 
go through the back of the flexplate and into the bosses.

In neither case is any attempt made to thread into the thin 
metal of the flexplate - it is simply clamped between the 
fasteners and the torque converter.

Hope this is some help,
Dale R.
COZY MkIV #1254

> From: "Ed Anderson" <eanderson@carolina.rr.com>
> Date: 2005/01/24 Mon PM 06:24:45 EST
> To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
> Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Flex plate <> Flywheel [FlyRotary] Re: flex
>  plate
> 
> > I've read this several times, and still not quite sure I can believe
> > it.  The flex plate I have is thin.  In the .040" range thin.  I realize
> > that it will all be shear forces, but can 9 threaded holes be expected
> > to take the 800ft/lb of reaction forces that a typical NA engine is
> > expected to put out?
> > (I believe I got the 800ft/lb number out of the discussion of the
> > Schwertz beam motor mount on PL website).  Just doesn't seem like it
> > could hold up.
> 
> For crimmney sakes, Ernest - not so loud.  If we never tell it, it won't
> know it can't handle it.
> 
> Ernest, I think the flex plate is more like .092 - 0.125 " thick or more.
> In any case, I have never heard of a flex plate failing.
> It will would also take a bit less stress without the gear shifting going on
> as in the automobile.  Also, not certain but I think the flywheel torque is
> on the order of 150-200 ft/lb for an NA engine.
> 
> Ed A