Jerry, it's only the 2.17 ratio Ross that needs a thrust bearing because the
 other (2.86:1?) produces thrust in the opposite direction which has a thrust
 bearing. The other bigger problem is the lack of oiling to the sun
gear. I tried
 running over 200 hp thru it and it began to eat the gears after a
few hours. I
 know of at least 5 others that have had severe gear wear. The only ones that
 seem to last are low hp. A machinist friend and I figured out how
to spray oil
 onto the sun gear, and several Ross owners have had this done. I think Dave
 Atkins has over 100 hrs on his since the mod. He's putting out
close to 180 hp.

 > I suggest you call Ray Baker (machinist) (206-364-9894) to discuss.
Chuck Harbert

 I have talked to Ray. Eventually, I may have him do the
modifications.  It seems that he may or may not be able to modifiy
an individual gear box based on the original machining which he says
is inconsistant. Some gear boxes lack sufficient material to allow
the additional machining required. In the meantime, I am shipping my
box to Paulfor an evaluation that hopefully will shed light on the
problem.  The down side for me is that until a couple of days ago, I
was ready to proceed with mounting the engine.  The drawings are
done and the materials purchased. However, there is the possibility
that I will not use the Ross at all and could end up with a spur
drive which displaces the output shaft or one of Tracy's.  Until I
know, the engine project is at full stop.

Jerry

 
The AirCraft Rotary Engine NewsLetter.              Powered by Linux.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/            http://www.linux.org