The X-ray emission from the massive binary WR 146R is analysed in the
framework of the colliding stellar wind (CSW) picture. The theoretical CSW
model spectra match well the shape of the observed X-ray spectrum of WR 146R
but they overestimate considerably the observed X-ray flux (emission measure).
This is valid both in the case of complete temperature equalization and in the
case of partial electron heating at the shock fronts (different electron and
ion temperatures), but, there are indications for a better correspondence
between model predictions and observations for the latter. To reconcile the
model predictions and observations, the mass-loss rate of WR 146 must be
reduced by a factor of 8 - 10 compared to the currently accepted value for this
object (the latter already takes clumping into account). No excess X-ray
absorption is derived from the CSW modelling.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS; 9 pages, 4 figires, 1 tabl
