Leon Promet wrote:

Hi Paul,

Been to your site many times,  and I find it incredibly useful and
informative.  I have been advised that I should subscribe to the
newsletter.  Some of the guys on the "Fly Rotary" site tell me that you
have some valid objections to the "Plugs Up" config.  I'd like to know
more.  Until I started researching a homebuilt, I'd never even considered
the proposition.  My current schedule is to have something flying within 24
months.

So where can I find out more please about the pitfalls of a "Plugs Up"
config.  I want to do it ONCE,  and I want to do it right,  so any
assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes and kindest regards,

Leon Promet

The engine cooling and oil systems were designed to be run up right of course.
This means many details of cooling water flow and oil supply to the rotors and
bearings depend on a particular  gravity vector  for proper functioning. The short term
effects may not be noticeable but long term many problems could appear.

There is no real reason why the engine should be mounted plugs up. It is no taller
than it is wide so there is no advantage in fitting the engine into a cowl. A bottom 
exhaust is not an advantage as many airplanes use side exhaust. In fact the best place
with the most room for a simple radiator is under the engine so a bottom exhaust is a 
drawback.

Paul Lamar
 
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