Final Testing

First Taxi Test & Brake Wear In

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Tonight I set about taxiing for the first time! My goal was two fold. First, I wanted to taxi test that everything was working, and break in the brakes. Second, I wanted to use the taxi test as an engine warm up for a static run-up to adjust max RPM if required. Idle RPM is still not quite perfect either.

There’s not too much to note. The aircraft taxis like a dream. I’m by no means an experienced tailwheel pilot, but of the taildraggers I have taxied – this is the easiest and most maneuverable. It was definitely a wide grin moment for me!

For the brake check-in, I just ran the rpms a little high and periodically used the brakes to control speed.

The static run up wasn’t successful because I cannot get above 2400 RPM without the tail coming up, despite full nose up stick aft. I’ll probably just have to dial this in during flight testing.

OH, and I almost forgot. I also wanted to test that the cowling fit properly with the engine running and during the torque of starting. With the 200hp angle valve engine, the fit is TIGHT. Everything went perfectly!

Post first start corrections

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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!

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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!