THOMAS EVANS wrote:

I bought a Ross Aero reduction unit in the early 90's for a Buick 215 engine, which
I mounted on the front of a GP-4 high performance airplane.  I have been working on
this project for over 12 years.

I finally got to the point of taxi testing the plane and after running the engine
close to 12 hours on the ground the damper plate failed. I decided that a
replacement of the same design would be foolish since a failure like this in the
air would leave me with no prop power. Worse than no prop power (if that is not
enough) the bell housing would possibly  be destroyed as well.  The springs and
other debris fell to the bottom of the housing and proceeded to grind everything
up. Fortunately it occurred at startup and I was able to shut down
immediately....damage was minimal.

I contracted a PSRU experienced local machinist to build me a new rubber bushed
damper plate/flywheel system. If the rubber bushing fails, the prop will continue
to produce power (works for me).
The bad news...........Upon examining the planetary he found that there was no
thrust bearing.
I have tried contacting Ross Aero to get answers, but apparently they are no longer
in business.

We are not sure what to do......I need help on this one! Is there a fix or
modification available?
If anyone knows where I can get some information on how to resolve this problem, I
would sure appreciate it.

Tom Evans

Yes there is. there is a guy in Seattle that has done this kind of work for
Chuck Harbert.

charles harbert wrote:

The machinist who added a thrust bearing and a sun gear oiling system to my Ross
is Ray Baker (206-367-1314). He is in N. Seattle.

Paul Lamar
 
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