What things? The only place that I can think of where there is brass bearings is in the PSRU. All bearings in the engine are steel coated with copper coated with babbit, right?

But how would any flakes (possibly remaining from reaming the PSRU bearing) ever find their way into the engine?

I think the gold colored flakes you found in the filter and/or pan are completely unrelated to any wear of engine bearings. I would suspect the jets in the e-shaft. Too weak springs? Forgot to install the springs or balls in those jets? That would dump all the oil out into the rotors before it ever reached the front bearing.

Finn

Russell Duffy wrote:

Something caused that front bearing to get worn way too quickly and he suspects there may be a problem with the PSRU since we didn’t find anything in the engine that looked like it was shedding metal. 

 

Hi Joe,

 

I can think of some things that would cause it, but they would all amount to builder error.  I know you seem to have a lot of faith in Atkins work, but I don't share that opinion.  I've just read too many horror stories, and listened to too much of his BS on the phone.  I'm sure he's capable of putting an engine together right, but I question his success rate.  Hopefully, he'll get yours straightened out.

 

Rusty (test carefully before flying)