Peter

About Peter

plbarrett.com | Certified Flight Instructor (Single & Multi-Engine, Instrument, and Advanced Ground) | Commercial Helicopter

Post first start corrections

This entry was posted in Final Testing Firewall Forward on by

After the first start, there were a few squawks we discovered. First, in the third startup we were not able to get the prop to cycle. Research after the fact showed folks reporting that a higher RPM is required to get the oil flowing on first start for the whirl wind props. 2000 – 2300 RPM were suggested. Tonight I set about testing that – sure enough it worked! The prop now cycles appropriately.

Amazingly I had not put a gasket under the magneto! Yikes! And I had two sitting on hand. So I had to remove the magneto, install a gasket, and retime. I did my best to mark the magneto position and lock the gear in place, but I still had to verify the timing. I got it spot on.

Also found the oil cooler scat tubing is rubbing on my oil dipstick. I put a couple solutions in place, but I fear neither are long term solutions. I will need a more secure method of holding it in place.

The baggage door lock had been problematic during first start. The latch came apart due to a fault bushing I had damaged carelessly closing the baggage door previously. So for first start up I had to tape the door shut. It was an easy fix tonight and the baggage door was good as new.

I also went over the plane with a fine tooth comb looking for any loose items or other fixes.

First Engine Start!

This entry was posted in Final Testing on by

Today was the big day! First engine start! The plan was three runs. First run at idle for a couple minutes. Shut down and inspect. The second run would be a 5 min run testing a few more items to include the magnetos. The third run would be for 15 min at 1500 RPM with a full static power test at the end.

I had lots of friends and helpers on hand for the test. Big shout outs to Mike Bullock (RV-7 rvplane.com) and Mike Rollison (RV-6) for all their help and advice. I was super nervous and highly excited.

We had a little trouble with getting it to fire up on the first start. We definitely had too much fuel in the equation. This plane doesn’t seem to like the procedure that was recommended… so we just did a quick prime and then fired it up. Now that the procedure is dialed in – she starts like a dream.

Tests 1 and 2 went great. But on test 3 we couldn’t get the prop to cycle, so we abandoned the rest of the test. Theories were either the governor was installed incorrectly or there was still a plug behind the prop. Both would be painful.

We also found a small leak by the magneto. The builder apparently did not include a gasket! Doh! A small oil leak by a plug. Rubbing of the scat tube on the oil dipstick. Otherwise it was a great first start and I’m thrilled with the success!

 

Misc wrap up work

This entry was posted in Cowling Electrical on by

Getting ready for the first engine start… but most of the things on my checklist for the engine start are complete. Many of the remaining items on my list need to wait until after the first start. So I worked on a number of small projects – some needed in the near future. Others not needed until whenever I decide I want them done.

Projects accomplished tonight. Some temporary seat covers made from pillow cases. Instrument panel white led lights hooked up. Foil added to the bottom cowl. Wheel pant fiberglass work. The instrument panel white LED lights are bright and will need adjustments. First, I need to bring them aft about one inch. This will provide much better visibility and reduce shadows on the panel. Second, I need to shorten the LED strip. Its a bit too long at the moment, which means my eyes can catch direct light at both ends of the strips. Shortening the lights will have the secondary effect of reducing the amount of light output. Currently its a bit too much even a low levels.  Lastly, I’ll need to improve the wire routing – its a bit ugly at the moment, but its functional and works as a proof of concept. Plenty of time between now and final paint!