I had a rocket with a reloadable Aerotech F24-4 engine all loaded and ready to fly at a meet last weekend, when suddenly the wind picked up and a storm blew in. The launch was subsequently canceled. My question is how long will my loaded engine be safe to use without dismantling it? I know the Aerotech packaging says to load the engine right before a launch, but it doesn't say how long or how safe it is to store them in a loaded state.
Thx
I've experienced similar launch delays and have had to pack up and go home without launching. I've had motors (F-I) fully loaded for six months before without any problems. I believe some recommend loosening the aft seal to give the rings a break but I just leave the whole thing together and put it in my engine box (indoors). You shouldn't have any problems. If you're worried, you can always completely break down the motor and carefully clean the case and "O" rings to make sure there is no ejection charge left. Joe A. South Louisiana Rocketry (SOLAR) #8
Thanks Joe! I coated the rings in Vaseline so hopefully they will be fine in indoor storage for a while.
If you leave it totally alone it should be fine. Party line of course says differently.
Jerry
You should be fine as long as you didn't go overboard with the lube, as most folks do. If you just got the O-rings shiny so that they wouldn't bind when the end closures were screwed on you'll be OK. If you got on much more than that you may be better off dismantling it if you're planning on storing it for more than a month or two...the Vaseline may creep.
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