Ken Powell wrote:

Will the rotors contact the side housings if the thrust
bearing fails completely?  This seems the most like scenario
to me given the known weakness of the Ross gearbox (does not
handle thrust loads).

Ken Powell

I think the E-shaft might contact the edge of the rotors rather
than just the rotor bearing. As I recall Lynn mentioned something
about that in context with lapping the end housings too many times.
I think Andy noticed a lack of oil pressure just before the engine
seized.

Usually the rotors are centered up by the oil scrapers and side seals. You will get a shine on the face of the rotor gear from severe use like racing. If you loose a rotor bearing you will bang the rotor around on the side housings. I have never had one sieze up. I have lost two teeth off of a front stationary gear and lost some power but the motor didn't stop, and we drove it up on the trailer. Am I to understand that someone is using the Mazda thrust bearings to take propeller thrust? Ouch!
Lynn E Hanover

 
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