Yep, and the problem actually stemmed from a "empty tank" live test
they ran months earlier. Seems they went overcurrent and melted the
thermostat harness insulation, leaving some exposed wiring inside the
tank. I also believe they may have fused the protective thermostat
"closed" as well. They never had a problem with the system until the
damaged wiring was exposed after the liquid O2 level came down with
use. Then they ran a tank stir, exposed wiring arcs -- boom! I've heard
the live audio recording from the crew compartment and it made one hell
of a bang.

Of course all their tests passed, but they didn't realize they had
damaged the system in the process. A classic case of not testing all
possibilities (including the fact your TEST may have messed up the
equipment!).

Matt Pobursky
Maximum Performance Systems

On Fri, 19 Jul 2002 10:55:39 -0400, Bob Ammerman wrote:
>Actually not a fuel cell, but an O2 tank.
>
>Bob Ammerman RAm Systems

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