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As I understand it, coking in kerolox engines occurs when the engine shuts down and fuel flow stops, causing fuel still in the coolant channels to overheat and decompose.

Can this problem.be avoided by using a battery powered pump to keep the fuel flowing for a few seconds after shutdown? If so, how much fuel would be required, and how heavy would the additional equipmemt?

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    $\begingroup$ No, coking does not only happen after shutdown. If that were true, it would not be a problem for single-use engines. Coking is possible any time the temperature of hydrocarbon fuel gets too high. Where did you get the idea it's only post shutdown? $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Nov 15 at 12:33
  • $\begingroup$ Read some references linked here - these authors know their subject space.stackexchange.com/a/59099/6944 $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Nov 15 at 12:35
  • $\begingroup$ Without any acceleration, it's impossible to suck fuel from the tank. $\endgroup$
    – user3528438
    Nov 15 at 12:55
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    $\begingroup$ @user3528438 then how do they ever start engines in free fall? $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Nov 15 at 13:00
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    $\begingroup$ Yeah, I thought it was rather strange that you were challenging user3528438 when their statement was correct -- you DO need some kind of acceleration to settle your fuel, with the oddball exception of a balloon diaphragm tank. I'm not sure what it has to do with the question at hand, but it wasn't untrue. $\endgroup$
    – Darth Pseudonym
    Nov 15 at 22:00

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