Has anyone explored or installed a fluidic crankshaft damper on a flat 4 VW for aviation?
For the casual naysayers - I understand that in theory short flat engines "don't need" crank dampers.
However, aviation use has proven that they are much more susceptible to crank failure from torsional resonance, even forged cranks, than as stock units installed in cars.
I'm strongly considering adding an electric starter back onto mine. It currently has a Diehl case; I also have a removed complete Aero Vee set up/mount/alternator etc with some failed components. So the thought is that while in there and possibly changing the motor mount extension anyway, why not incorporate an aftermarket fluid damper. Machining such as mix 'n match old pieces, or complete new parts is possible here. I am aware it could entail some "interesting" accommodation or adaptation of the magneto drive, considering this is a dual ignition engine.
smt
For the casual naysayers - I understand that in theory short flat engines "don't need" crank dampers.
However, aviation use has proven that they are much more susceptible to crank failure from torsional resonance, even forged cranks, than as stock units installed in cars.
I'm strongly considering adding an electric starter back onto mine. It currently has a Diehl case; I also have a removed complete Aero Vee set up/mount/alternator etc with some failed components. So the thought is that while in there and possibly changing the motor mount extension anyway, why not incorporate an aftermarket fluid damper. Machining such as mix 'n match old pieces, or complete new parts is possible here. I am aware it could entail some "interesting" accommodation or adaptation of the magneto drive, considering this is a dual ignition engine.
smt