Mark Steitle wrote:

Paul,
It was stated that Emon strongly recommends the 3 mm apex seals for a/c applications.  Based on that, and the desire to not have my motor self-destruct while aloft,  I decided that was the way to go and I signed up for a set of 3mm seals/springs for my 20b.  I realize that I will need to have my apex slots ground to accept the larger seals.  My question is this, is this really the best way to go, or am I just solving one problem just to create another (higher weight & wear), or are the 3mm seals recommended due to their higher profit-margin?  Also, although grinding is the preferred method, would it be acceptable to have them machined instead?  Finally, do you know of anyone stateside that can grind the grooves for us?
Thanks,
Mark

I definitely think the 3 mm are the way to go. Since we run the engine at only
6000 RPM the wear should be good for at least 1000 hours. I saw Tracy's 2 mm seals
after he removed them from his engine at about 800 hours and the wear along the
sides of the seals was noticeably but not excessive. In any event if I can't 
talk Eamon into doing it on all 3 mm seals I will make a little drilling jig 
and drill mine in the drill press one hole at a time :-)

I have not gotten around to looking for an outfit that can grind the seal
slots. Should not be too hard to find however. You might even find someone on the
internet.

Paul Lamar
 
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