For any new fliers out there:
If you have used a friction fit to keep your engine in place, try and remove it immediately after the flight.
It'll slide out much easier when the engine is still warm!
I know this doesn't make any sense. Heat makes things expand!
Take a look at the lower end of an engine casing. Chances are the casing diameter is a little wider towards the nozzle end. This is a result of the engine manufacturing process. The compression of the interior components swell out the casing area above the nozzle.
After the propellant is burned, the swelled casing diameter shrinks back a bit.
That and with the masking tape still warm, it's easier to pull the engine out!
Give it a try right after a flight, at the field.
Carry a small set of pliers in your range box and take it with you to every launch.
I've had rockets that I've needed to push a dowel in from the other end to knock the motor out. It's almost as if the motor glues itself into place when it cools. I wonder if it sucks moisture out of the atmosphere and swells slightly???
ReplyDeleteHi Sasha,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point! In the past I've used dowels and even launch rods to push out engines from the top.
I don't know if moisture from the atmosphere is part of it or not. Maybe the adhesive on the masking tape is warmed and that is causing it to "glue" the engine in place?