What is the consensus for the power handling capability of the four planet
set, and is that ratio about 2.17:1?

Jon Lauter
Rotary Power Marine Corporation
www.rotarymarine.com

Yes the ratio is 2.17:1.

We don't really know Jon. Tracy has 650 hours or so on a Ross but he
started out being real easy on it. Tracy is now up to about 180-190 HP
I would guess. Some gyro guys have been using them for years but
we have no first hand reports.
 
Chuck Harbert has noticed some problems
on his Ross with his turbo three rotor with just a few hours but the 
design was different than Tracy's Ross. The planet carrier was 
rigidly bolted to the housing on Chuck's rather than allowed to float
as was done on Tracy's Ross. Some pinions were more worn than others
on Chucks'. Chuck has rectified this problem by drilling out 
the holes oversize to allow float and increased the flow of oil.

Ironically Tracy has now accurately machined the housing on his 
new PSRU design to tight tolerances so the planet carrier cannot float. 
Tracy claims that is a better idea and the sun gear floats to a certain
extent. We shall see :-) 

I am afraid we are not being very scientific about this.

Bill Freeman has a set that is being analyzed by a gear expert
friend of his.

BTW John Moran is making a six pinion version of the planet carrier
so somebody with a three rotor can test that for us. Should be
a direct drop in to Tracy's gear box.


Paul Lamar
 
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