Post 60 - Mini-Milestones

Let me start with the mini-milestones:

Pre-Engine start (days prior)

Manifold pressure: 4 hrs - From Engine to Lightspeed electronic ignition T'd to Dynon pressure sensor with correct lines and fittings. Use high performance auto similar system. Parts searching and a few hours climbing under the panel for routing and install.

Key Switch, Timing Magneto and Electrinic Ignition (EI): 2 more days - Seemed the timing was done but it was not for the magneto. The key switch was proving OK, but no sign of ignition from left magneto. We did mag ht tests, start tests, ground tests, impulse coupler tests. We started anyway. After start day and much testing for another Saturday, we found the magneto was 180 degree's off so the spark was not TDC for cylinder 1. We fiddled than found setting tool in 'right magneto hole' instead of left, then timed made the gear correct for the crank, and spark was close to where it should have been. This SOLVED our course timing and key switch issues. we still have to fine time the magneto but it should be easy.

Starting day was Nov 13th, 2012 on post 59 (see vid).

post start days

Tailwheel: 4 hrs - Pulled tailwheel to make notch for locked, going straight position. Other issues was, no ramps to allow spring lock to make tailwheel 'spin free' to forward aft lock (or take off and landing) position. I cut ramps on both sides of tailwheen assembly so it could 'ramp to' locked position while taxiing. Meanwhile, noticed tailwheel bearings were frozen after maybe 30 years. Tried greasing but no luck. Found a machine shop to quickly remove and will order or go to Kaman Bearing to check for more bearings.

Exhaust System: 6 hrs - 3 springs, holes in the fuselage, some sanding, isolation pads and the correct bolts to mount the pipes. Should be done.

Transponder Antenna: 4 hrs - time spent researching Garmin regarding must have a metal ground plane for a fiberglass airplane. They wanted 8x8 inches but space limited so fabricated aluminum plate to go over a frame. It's not flat and will have to ***(note to check later)*** test the transponder, right and left ~ 30 miles away to see if it is being received and no signal blocking from the exhaust pipe or anything. Antenna was too short on the threads, so buried within the fuselage, Bolted and sealed in place under panel fwd cabin.

Sealing the wing: .5 hrs - Around upper wing skin for noise, mostly for wind.

Reviewed header tank and a few more items. Kaisan Burst to lengthen cables to rudders at turnbuckes to give feet more room. It may work, will check today. 3 more hrs. I'm done writing now so back to the shop!