Swelled up grains

[Williamhimka]

I have some old (from 1991) AeroTech D9W reloads and the C slot grains are pretty much swollen shut. I’m aware old white lightning motors are known for this happening.
Is there any way to repair these?
Is it worth risking the motor hardware?
Can they still fly?
I don’t wanna shove them in the ground and light them just yet…
Not sure what to do.

 

[n3tjm]

Well, D9's are pretty anemic when they are new... its going be much worse if you can salvage those grains and get them to lite.

 

[Williamhimka]

Well, D9's are pretty anemic when they are new... its going be much worse if you can salvage those grains and get them to lite.

So should I just scrap them maybe?

 

[Hobie1dog]

So should I just scrap them maybe?

+1

 

[5x7]

I would only fly them in a saucer but you may be able to save them for that- see this thread: https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/looking-for-a-post-fixing-older-hobbyline-reloads.62546/

 

[DabCat]

I've flown old D9s in the same and worse conditions. Sand the grain faces enough so they fit lengthwise, then take a file that's about the size of the slot and file it open. Make sure you've got a really good ignitor in it so it lights. Also, don't trust the delay. Bonus delay is common in these old motors.

 

[Williamhimka]

Just had some fun instead. Too much work to try and fix them all up