Found Collection

Does anyone know how long rocket engines are good for?  I've had a model
rocket setup for about 8 years that I never put together. I was wondering
if the engines are still good (or could they cause any harm if ignited).
Could someone send me e-mail and let me know.

Thanks,

Steve

I have some motors from the late 60s, that still function fine. I suspect
that C.D. does also.

Bill

I have stored them in my garage, under a bed, in a spare room etc. They are
all B or smaller, and I have never had a problem with any of them.  I have
encountered temperature cycling problems only on D motors - not on any that
are smaller.

:   You can probably test one by burying it nozzle-up so that the nozzle is
: flush with the surface & then static firing it. If it doesn't "shoot the
: moon" the rest should be OK.

As I stated, they work fine.  Of course, I am reluctant to use up such old
collector's items.

Bill

  If you kept them in an air-conditioned bedroom or other controlled
environment they may be fine.

  You can probably test one by burying it nozzle-up so that the nozzle is
flush with the surface & then static firing it. If it doesn't "shoot the
moon" the rest should be OK.

IT>> : Does anyone know how long rocket engines are good for?  I've had a model

IT>> : rocket setup for about 8 years that I never put together. I was wonderin
IT>> : if the engines are still good (or could they cause any harm if ignited).
IT>> : Could someone send me e-mail and let me know.
IT>>
IT>> I have some motors from the late 60s, that still function fine. I suspect
IT>> that C.D. does also.

I have rocket motors that are 32 years old, most work fine, but they
have been stored indoors

If they're small (C or under) black powder motors, they're probably fine.
If they're C5-3's, they're probably even better than contemporary ones.  :-(
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I've launched some Estes engines of '76-'77 vintage this summer and they flew
as good as new.
-DGH-

: Does anyone know how long rocket engines are good for?  I've had a model
: rocket setup for about 8 years that I never put together. I was wondering
: if the engines are still good (or could they cause any harm if ignited).
: Could someone send me e-mail and let me know.

About two years ago I launched an old Estes Saros (built late 70s)
on Estes motors from 1969.  After doing this twice, I realized I
should quit flying the rocket before it pranged or a motor CATO'd it.

I did experiment with a few other motors I had, all very old (18-20
years).  The 18mm B's and C's worked fine, but the D's were terrible.
Must have been more susceptible to thermal cycling, because all
launches had "blow-by" where the ejection blew almost immediately.
One rocket went up perhaps 100 feet, and it's paint was bubbling
on the outside from excessive heat.  This was a BT-55 sized rocket,
so there was space between motor and body.  None of the cases
ruptured, they just burned incredibly hot.  These motors were stored
with the 18mm motors all their life, so perhaps 24mm sizes are less
stable than 18mm.  

--
         /\      Lee Reep         TRIPOLI ROCKY MOUNTAINS -- # 72
    /\  /~~\  /\   Fort Collins, Colorado                TRA 2007

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