This year's maintenance focused on the engine. While there were no major oil leaks or power problems, there was one nuisance leak and I simply wanted the engine opened up and inspected thoroughly and all gaskets replaced. One pushrod tube seal had a leak and it wasn't getting better. It dripped from the seal onto the exhaust pipe - not a good thing.
Once we pulled the engine we found one cylinder had blow-by. It's hard to tell if it's constant or merely on startup (cylinder may warm and compress gaskets reforming the seal between the head and the base). So back in May we pulled the engine off and John opened it up. The news was very good -- all valves, rings, pistons, lifters -- the works -- were in good shape, with no abnormal wear or deformation.
I ordered one set of gaskets and manufactured another (.020 copper gaskets) The pushrod tube seals were another matter. One quote was $26 each -- for 16 (these seals are mere 1" rubber O rings). So I tried owner manufactured, but could not get the lip right.
Finally I found a source for 14 in Atlanta for $14 each. I ordered the balance from Tulsa, OK for $24.50 each. So John is re-assembling the engine this week. This means all hoses, gaskets, lines, and mounts will be new. All spark plugs will be mounted in heli-coils for added security.
Of course we'll pull all the inspection plates, floor boards, etc, but this should be a simple annual after the work we've accomplished in the past 18 months.
I'm looking forward to test flying it. If all checks out I'll fly it across Pennsylvania to its new home!
Once we pulled the engine we found one cylinder had blow-by. It's hard to tell if it's constant or merely on startup (cylinder may warm and compress gaskets reforming the seal between the head and the base). So back in May we pulled the engine off and John opened it up. The news was very good -- all valves, rings, pistons, lifters -- the works -- were in good shape, with no abnormal wear or deformation.
I ordered one set of gaskets and manufactured another (.020 copper gaskets) The pushrod tube seals were another matter. One quote was $26 each -- for 16 (these seals are mere 1" rubber O rings). So I tried owner manufactured, but could not get the lip right.
Finally I found a source for 14 in Atlanta for $14 each. I ordered the balance from Tulsa, OK for $24.50 each. So John is re-assembling the engine this week. This means all hoses, gaskets, lines, and mounts will be new. All spark plugs will be mounted in heli-coils for added security.
Of course we'll pull all the inspection plates, floor boards, etc, but this should be a simple annual after the work we've accomplished in the past 18 months.
I'm looking forward to test flying it. If all checks out I'll fly it across Pennsylvania to its new home!
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