It weighed too much for three reasons. The pattern was made by hand and it
is near impossible to make a large pattern with .1875" consistent wall thickness
by hand even if you are a HIGHLY skilled pattern maker. I know I have made some
intake manifold patterns. An accurate pattern made on a NC mill profoundly
changes all that.

The second factor is what can the foundry do in terms of minimum wall
thickness? American International in San Fernando California has no
problem with that as I have seen hundreds of parts in their foundry.

The third factor was the incorporation of motor mounts in the bell housing.
That idea has  fallen into dis favor as the preferred method of engine mounting
is the Schertz beam.

The projected weight of this bell housing, as cast, is one pound lighter
than your set up despite a conservative wall thickness of .2 inches.
That is before NC machining where more weight can be removed.

As far as the load is concerned we have already done some static testing thanks
to Jerry Hey. We will do the same kind of static testing on the new bell housing
as well as an FEA.

Not many new designs are mounting the starter at 6 O'clock as it
precludes using one large rad under the engine which simplifies the
cooling plumbing and the ducting. Mounting the starter at six O-clock allows a
simplification of the bell housing and a reduction in its weight and cost.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

Opss correction.

That should be: "Mounting the starter at nine O-clock allows a
simplification of the bell housing and a reduction in its weight and cost."

I don't really understand your comment about the starter at 6 o'clock
precluding positioning the rad under the engine.
That is the configuration I have. In my pusher config, the rad is below
and forward of the starter. In the future, to lower drag, I would like
to position it even farther forward.

In the photos on this page, that you took at Arlington last year, you
can see the starter bump in the cowl is way above the rad. The rad is
forced to that low position by the oil pan, not the starter. You can
also see my concept 3D drawing, where I would like to position the rad
farther forward.
http://www.bridgingworlds.com/LEZ13B/LEZ13B.htm

Perry

I was speaking of a tractor installation Perry where the air comes in over
the top of the rad to keep it cool. Your cowling is so tight I think you
would have a bump where ever you put the starter.
If you still have Rhino working send me an IGES zipped of the last 3D
and I will do some scale transparent renderings with the starter in various
positions.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

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