Turbine Up and Running Again

[lperagallo]

For those of you who knew about the misshap at IRCHA, The turbine is back up and running! The little fire caused damage to fuel, lubrication and propane lines, but it's all back together. I also think I found the intermittment vibration in the tail. When I was checking everything out, I noticed that the torque tube was wearing a spot in the tail tube. It appears that one tube was 19" long and the other considerably shorter. I put them back to their normal lengths and during my test flights, the vibration seems to be gone.

Larry, McMaster Carr had the tubing I needed and although it doesn't look like a perfect match, (wall thickness is different) the outside diameter is fine and it looks good. No Leaks. Also got here in a day.

Has anybody observed the clear lubrication line that runs to teh gear box. Is it difficult to see any fuel running through it? I looked closely and I could just barely see a ripple effect in teh line that was made by fuel running through. Does that seem normal? I guess I was expecting to see more fuel ruunning.

Lou

[Sara]

Lou,

You can't see much lube running along the line to the power turbine bearing. There is a mix of fuel/lube and pressurised air taken from the front of the engine. If in any doubt as to whether the lube is working, take the tube off the fitting at the gearbox end, start the engine and bring it to idle, and you should see drips of fuel coming out of the line. Only drips, not a steady stream. Don't run it for long like this as the power turbine bearing is not receiving lube, but it won't hurt it to run for a minute or so if you need to check.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines