Do please elaborate Gorilla, because now you've intrigued me. I'm not saying that anyone is right or wrong...All I am saying is this ; I have been an 'official' engineer for 8 years, building/fixing computers professionally since I was 14. I have learned a HELL of a lot in that time frame, and could only assume that someone of equal credibility would learn at least that much in 25+ years of doing something professionally day in and day out. The bottom line is that is all comes down to experience, and those who are reluctant to admit that simply haven't learned it yet.

Nevertheless, I'm open to hear your argument regarding what the huge misconception is with respect to the "twisting" of the engine. Again, forgive me for bringing your credibility into question, but just how much experience do you have with the rotary? Surely you'll understand that I'm not just going to listen to anyone who claims to build motors. There are too many of those people in the rotary world....

 

^Tom, believe you me (whatever that saying is). I've personally "seen" a twisted rotor housing. You won't be able to pick it up by eye but wait til you try to slid it on-top of the factory dowel/location pins. You'll have to beat it on with a HEAVY rubber mallet.

The things I've seen I won't even go into detail about...

 

Lance-a-roony (we all should have silly nicknames ), the housing was probably warped from massive overheating. Seen that a few times.

 

LOL...fair enough Lance. :P Do I dare ask WHO built one of those motors?!? Or was the motor severly overheated??

Edit :: I see that Goodfella beat me to the punch.

 

Rich-O-Saurus, that's also possible! Although in this case I think the cracked iron helped...

 

I agree. Thank you
I see them ALL the time.
Actually, not to be a jerk but no, I will not elaborate on that at this time. Sorry my friend.

I personally have over 12 years with rotaries and even longer with piston engines of all types. But my "team" at the shop has over 30 years experience with rotaries.

And I never said experience isn't important, I just said you can take it with a grain of sand. I wouldn't expect some 16 year old that has never built an engine, to all of a sudden be great at it. But I also know FROM EXPERIENCE that time, age and being around something a bunch doesn't mean you have all the answers.

Also, remember this, The ability to be a "great" engine builder doesn't come from actually building the engine itself, but rather the disassembly of the one before it.
And know worries, I assure you that you have not upset me or my credibility at this time.


-J

 

Sorry 'J', wasn't looking to step on any toes or offend. Only curious as to what your take was on what really goes on (as opposed to engine 'twisting', since you made mention of it and have a differing opinion).

I am 100% open to hearing any/all arguments, and am trying to do my best to gather as much information/learn as much as possible with respect to the rotary. It never hurts to hear an argument from someone else's perspective, especially if it's another builder/shop owner. I'm an engineer, so all I'm looking for is data/unbiased facts. It is a bit strange that you'd mention that specifically, yet are unwilling to elaborate. Nevertheless, I'm sure you and your team are great builders as well.

Lastly, I'm sure you guys are correct, and that studding/pinning is not necessary at these power levels. Again, Dave is a very conservative guy, so it doesn't surprise me that he'd want to do it at lower levels. At what point/power level DO you guys feel that studding/pinning is necessary, just out of curiosity?

 

makes you wonder if the 787B used studs or extra dowels

 

no extra dowels. it looks like they did not use studs either

what they did do is use big CF top and bottom plates. one is the dry sump plate, and the other is bolted on top, so they can use the engine as a stressed member in the chassis!

 

okay thanks for all the responses so im going to get AI and then will be needing a good tuner, any recomadations on a very good tuner around NE area?