May 04, 2024     Nav Antenna and fairings - (5 hours)       Category: Empennage

Another productive day at the hangar working on the "perpetual project". With the antenna doubler plates primed I was able to move forward with the installation. I had to pull out my "Close Quater Dimple Dies" to dimple the skin on the bottom of the fuse for the ADSB antenna. Then it was quick to use some cherry rivets to install the doubler and install the ADSB antenna.
Then it was onto the Vertical Stabilizer to install the Nav antenna doubler. I located the doubler so the antenna rods would exit the VS between the existing rivets and match drilled the top of the VS. I then proceeded to rivet the doubler with Cherry rivets, and verified that the holes for the rivnuts aligned for the antenna. Note, I'm not a fan of rivnuts, however I didn't really have many options here. I "could" unrivet the VS completely to mount nutplates, but that just seems like a ton of work that doesn't make sense. Rivnuts work and I don't expect that I will be installing / removing this antenna a lot, so all should be fine.
After setting the rivnuts, I installed the antenna puck and located the holes for the antenna whips and worked to drill and file those holes to provide clearance.
Only thing I couldn't do was install the antenna cable as I couldn't find my coax crimper, so that will have to wait till next time.
I also installed the top fairing for the rudder, drilled the top fairing for the VS, and started to install the gap fairing from the emp to the VS/HS. This is where I made the crushing discovery that I have to remove my rudder, VS, and HS to complete the install of the gap fairing. At least I know the process since I just did it a few weeks ago, but honestly not looking forward to it.

  Apr 27, 2024     Antenna Mounts - (6 hours)       Category: Empennage

Today I focused on my Nav antenna mount. I wanted a NAV antenna but wasn't a fan of the wing-tip antennas many have done. I saw that others had mounted a “cat whiskers” nav antenna at the top of the vertical stabilizer and was hoping I could do that as well. I re-installed the rudder and mocked up where I was going to mount the doubler. Yes, this would have been easier earlier in the build, but didn't know then what needed to be done.
Used blue tape to make a template of where the doubler would go. Used that to cut out .063 doubler. Used the antenna mount to mark out hole locations. Biggest problem was nut plates or some way to fasten the antenna down. After a lot of thought, decided to go with RivNuts and cherry max rivets to secure the doubler in place. Did a few tests with some spare aluminum to make sure I could properly set the RivNuts and cherry rivets (insert order to Aircraft Spruce here).
Pivoted to then getting the doubler for my ADSB antenna match drilled. Now to take the doublers home to get primer and wait for the cherry max rivets so I can then get both these doublers installed.
I'm also questioning if I should just put my COM2 antenna under the rear seat like I did for COM1 instead of just behind the cabin top. So many little things to do and so few days I can make it out to the airport to get them done.

  Sep 03, 2023     Magnetometer install and other two person jobs - (4 hours)       Category: Avionics

My daughter came out to the airport to help today. This allowed me to get a few projects done that needed smaller hands! First order of business was to stuff her in the tailcone to install the seat-belt harness brackets and cable. Next we went to the firewall and she helped me install my engine grounding strap, and some bolts to plug some holes in the firewall where I ended up moving some components.

Next, she helped me to drill and install a bracket to hold the GMU-22 magnetometer. This was just a piece of bent aluminum between the J-channels on the top of the fuse skin. I decided to mount the GMU-22 between the 2 and 3 rib aft of the baggage bulkhead due to my AC system. My daughter was a trooper and got back into the tail to drill all the mounting holes. Then she riveted all the other pieces together. I had her sign the bracket, then she crawled back into the tailcone to pop-rivet it in. I'm so proud of her for helping out and spending time with her Dad.

It was a warm day and we could only stay out there for a little while, and I'm very grateful for her help!

  Sep 02, 2023     Engine Cowl Modification - (6 hours)       Category: AC System

Once again, removed the prop so I can begin to finish up some work on the engine cowl. Due to the introduction of my AC compressor, the bottom cowl does not fit on the aircraft. To address this, I initially just cut a hole in the bottom cowl to allow me to fit the airbox, but it's time to create a "blister" for the compressor.
Started by wrapping the compressor in painters tape, then clear packing tape to protect it. I then filed down the opening to ensure there was sufficient clearance between the cowl and the compressor and compressor belt. Next I install the cowl and used some SprayFoam from home-depot to cover the opening and give me a surface to shape. The foam didn't stick to the packing tape, so I had to use some loose painters tape to support the foam until it started to set (see picture).
After letting the foam cure enough that it was holding it's shape, I removed the cowl and added some additional foam. I then allowed it to cure overnight.
Once cured, I cut the foam back and shaped it to what I thought was a good aerodynamic shape that would allow room for the compressor to fit. I then mixed up a batch of epoxy and micro and covered the foam. The plan is to then sand the micro smooth and cover with a few layers of fiberglass on the outside of the cowl. I will then carve our most of the foam on the interior, smooth out the transition and lay up layer of two of fiberglass to the interior of the cowl to protect the core material where I cut the hole. No need for a hotbox for the epoxy to cure, temps are above 100 in the hangar this week. :(

  Aug 19, 2023     More wingtip work - (6 hours)       Category: Wings

Early start to the day and the weather was AWESOME.
First thing was to put another layer of fiberglass on my horizontal stab tip fairings. Hopefully those cure without issue and I can close that out tomorrow.
Next was more work on wingtip lights. Realized I wired my Baja leading edge lights to the taxi circuit so a little bit of rework to connect it to the landing light circuit.
Next was adding connectors and wires from the fly led boards to the db9 connectors in the wing. I'm pulling “scrap” pieces from my “misc wire” bucket. I may have to order more before I'm done. Ugh.
With the nav, strobe, and wingtip lights connected, I just have to test the system out. (Tail strobe is connected via wago connectors). All works and flashes as expected. Can't wait to test this at night.

With a little motivation, I begin to install the flyled taxi and landing lights in the left wingtip. Tip: don't try to install in the wingtip. Install on the bench and then insert into the wingtip. This also required me to do a lot more sanding of the wingtip openings. Yeah, fiberglass dust!
Once I have the wingtip modified so the leds will fit, I can get the taxi and landing lights wired up.
Another test to make sure everything lights up correctly, then it's installed in the wingtip. (Still needs the lens shield).
Another test to make sure I don't have any shorts, then I install on the wing.
I'm still struggling with the wingtip hinge pins, they work and are solid, but don't think the pins are getting all the way to the very front eyelet. Maybe a struggle for another day.
Still need to install the hinges on the left wingtip and drill/mount the flyleds on that side. Both sides need the rib at the rear of the fairing and the hung pins cut to length and a way to lock them in place.
But it's already been six hours and it's time to head home to see the family for the afternoon.

  Aug 18, 2023     Wingtip work - (4 hours) Category: Wings

With slightly cooler weather, spent a few hours this evening getting the wingtip lights wired up. Using a DB9 connector for the fly led nav/strobe and taxi/landing lights. This evening was just crimping and soldering the splices for all the wingtip light wires to the db9 connector.
I also drilled the mounting holes through the flyleds board into the wingtips and mounted the nut plates.

Lastly spend a little time cleaning up around the hangar.

  Aug 13, 2023     Horizontal Stab Fairings - (4 hours)       Category: Tail Feathers

With the heat in the hangar over 100 this weekend, I decided I needed to get some fiberglass work done. Not sure why I thought this was a great idea, but at least I know the fiberglass will cure fully!
I cut out a piece of cardboard as a backer inside the horizontal stab fairing. Mixed up some epoxy and flox to go around the perimeter of the fairing for the glass to transition, and then mixed some straight epoxy and laid up a few strips onto the stab. It wasn't pretty, but got both sides done so they could cure overnight. I'll need to trim the excess and grind out any air bubbles before putting on any additional layers or micro to help contour it.
Luckily I remembered to put some packing tape against the horizontal stab to ensure I didn't epoxy the fairing to the stab.

  Aug 12, 2023     2nd Engine run - (4 hours) Category: Engine

Pulled the airplane out of the hangar for the second engine run. Ended up doing this solo this time due to schedules and trying to avoid the heat of the day (my teen daughters don't get up on the weekends before 10am!)
Goal was to run at 1000 RPM and verify sensors (EGT / CHT) as well as verify more info from the SDS controller that I didn't have time to look at on the last run. Startup and run was uneventful and was able to see all 6 CHT/EGT sensors reporting good data this time. SDS controller and mixture control worked as expected, and found I needed to run a little rich (+10) on the SDS system between 800 and 1000. I may need to make some modifications to fuel maps in the future, but for now I'm just going to use the mixture knob to keep things running smooth.
Only item I need to run-down are my SHUNTS / Alternators. I'm not seeing the expected 14v or amp flow for either alternator, but am expecting this is due to running at a low RPM at the moment, but won't know till I get closer to doing higher RPM tests.
Good news was there were no leaks found after the run this time!
Once the engine run was done, I spent a little time making a GMU22 mount and temporarily putting it in place to run a magnetometer interference test. Happy with the 3% reading, but can't do the calibration for a while. Also updated the G3X software to the latest version (9.22) and the GTN with it's "free" database and latest version. I'm waiting till after I get my airworthy cert before I purchase my annual sub from Garmin, but at least I have something loaded to look at for now.

  Aug 06, 2023     Elevator Trim - (6 hours) Category: Tail Feathers

So as I am working through systems checks, I realized that my elevator trim was not responding to inputs. First issue was the connectors at the trim servo were not great. While I'm sure these connectors are fantastic, my skill in crimping them, or the tools I'm using are not the "proper" tools so the pins were pulling out of the housing. Since I didn't have enough slack, it's time to pull the trim bracket and push-pull cables out of the tail. I remember them not being real easy to put in, so I really didn't want to do this.
With the servo out, I decided to extend the wire (soldered on a longer length of trim wire - supported by shrink tube) to move the connectors closer to the autopilot servos. Form there I did some continuity tests to understand why I'm having issues. The issues was swapped wires at the VPX connector. Quick(ish) fix then on to restoring the connections. Decided to just use a DB9 connector vs something more fancy.
Re-install the trim cables (honestly not as bad as I remember), and everything goes back together pretty quick. Fire up the avionics and we are working as expected! One issue down, plenty of more to find!

  Jul 29, 2023     Engine Start - (3 hours)       Category: Engine

First engine start - Finally got to the point where I was ready for the first engine start. Wife and kids came out to help and cheer me on. Engine turned over quickly and sounded great! I was overly focused on temps and RPM and didn't even have the right screen pulled up for the SDS to make sure my mixture was correct. Also realized that my G3X had the EGT's misconfigured. (Only showed 1 cylinder vs 6), so couldn't see the "lean assist". Kept the RPM's between 800-1000 and didn't let the engine get too warm. Once I fix those issues, I'll do another start to make sure I can monitor all the temps and verify all my sensors are reporting correctly. I'll also be verifying the Primary/Backup functionality for my SDS, Alternators, and equipment in a future run-up.
Post run-up I did identify an oil-leak at one of my oil cooler hoses, just needs to be tightened. Also need to get a CF card to pull logs from the G3X going forward.
Overall, this was a huge day and quite a relief, and I'm super excited that all went well!
https://youtu.be/3CIWvUmgU88

  Jul 01, 2023     Bottom Spark Plugs and EGT's - (5 hours)       Category: Engine

Today I worked on getting the bottom spark plugs installed, spark plug wires terminated, and started on the EGT sensors. Got all the plug wires installed and terminated, and all all sparkplugs are in. I still have a little bit of wire management left to do, but overall things are looking good. I also installed the EGT sensors on cylinders 2,4,6 and have them all wired up.
Also got a few other odds and ends done. Relocated a wire to my alternator regular (accidentally had it bypassing my off/batt/alt switch initially). Also installed the heater SCAT hoses from the back of the baffling to the heat muffs.

Heat of the day was starting to get to me, so decided to cut the day a little short to cool off and come back in the morning.

  Jun 29, 2023     Starter working - Oil Pressure verified - (3 hours)       Category: Engine

Got the replacement TCW smart start module installed and had the family out to help pull the plane into the alley to test the starter and oil pressure sensor.
First attempt - 15 seconds - no visible oil pressure
Wait 60 seconds, then another 15-20 seconds on the starter - this time I saw the oil pressure begin to change - up to about 8 psi.
Waited another 60 seconds, then another 15-20 start. This time the oil pressure rose to 45 PSI.
No visible oil leaks. Checked the oil level, and was only showing I needed to add another 2 quarts. I think I'm between 5 to 5.5 qts showing on the dipstick after putting in 8 quarts total. Hopefully that's just due to filling up the new oil filter / oil cooler, and other lines.
My biggest decision - do I push to start the engine even if I still have baffle, cowling, fairings, and tons of interior work to do, or do I get EVERYTHING I can done before I do first start... I feel like I "should" wait, but I also want to get engine start done as it's a huge motivator for me (and the family). Not sure what I'll do yet...

  Jun 18, 2023     Brake Lines, Fuel lines, and Oil Lines - (7 hours) Category: Engine

My father came up to visit over the last few days to help out with a few things. Decided to get 5 gallons of fuel added to the each tank so we could test out the fuel pumps / fuel lines. Found a few fittings that needed a to get snugged up, but got good pressure readings and all lines are good. Then it was on to the brake lines. I used a pressure pot to push brake fluid into the system from the wheels up to the reservoir. Did one side, then the other and think we kept most off the air bubbles out of the system. Also tested the parking break, and looks to work as expected. I'll have to let the plane sit for a few days to see if we maintain good working pressure.
Lastly we decided to change the oil so we could try to verify oil pressure. I used a pneumatic power fluid extractor to try to suck as much oil out of the sump via the dipstick. Worked surprisingly well, and only had a little bit of oil come out of the drain plug. Swapped the plug for a "quick drain" valve to make changes easier in the future. Will also need to swap the other drain plug for a magnetic plug eventually. Also swapped out the oil filter and got the filter and oil plugs safety wired. After filling the system (including priming the oil cooler with oil), we got the prop installed and torqued down.
Pulled the plane out and removed the plastic plug caps blocking so there is no compression. Master On, Arm the Starter, and.... nothing. Spent an hour double checking wires before we came the the conclusion that my TCW Smart Start module may have an issue. Sent a note to TCW, and they recommend I send it in for replacement. While we wanted to see the prop move on it's own, it wasn't going to happen, Still very happy to have the help from my father as well as the motivation to get as much done as I could before he arrived.

  May 27, 2023     Replace AC oil / install AC lines - (3 hours) Category: Engine

After consulting with theBill at AirFlow systems, I purchased the needed PAG oil to refill my compressor. Removed the compressor from the mount, completely drained all oil from the system, and refilled it with 150cc's of PAG 46 oil. Then it I wrestled it and the hoses so I could connect everything without any leaks, before mounting it back on the plane.

  Apr 15, 2023     Throttle bracket / hoses - (4 hours) Category: Engine

Spend a good bit of time trying to finish up the throttle bracket for the engine. Was trying to fabricate it with some 2” angle aluminum pieces. Got to the point where I decided a single piece of 3”x2” angle aluminum may be a better solution. McMaster order submitted and we'll see how that works.
I also finally decided it was time get a little more work on the engine hoses and wiring done. First off I created a new spark plug wire and tried to clean up some of the spark plug wire routing. While the spark wire supplied from SDS may be the correct total length, I ended up purchasing more wire from Summit Racing (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-34019) and the boots/connectors (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-8849).
I also thought it was a good idea to finish crimping and connecting the hoses for the AC system. What I forgot to remember is that the compressor is full of AC oil and with the hose ports pointed down, as soon as I removed the caps, a large quantity of oil dumped onto the ground. I have an email out to AirFlow systems to find out the proper quantity of oil required and I'll have to purchase replacement oil and remove the compressor to re-fill it. Positive note is that the hose ends are crimped on.
Lastly I contacted Tom from TS Flightline to get the last two hoses I need to potentially do an engine start. Fingers crossed I can make some good progress in the next few weeks.

  Apr 15, 2023     Wing wiring - (3 hours) Category: Wings

With the wings mounted, I finished up a few items. I re-installed the pitot tube and completed the wiring. This included creating grounding points at the wingtips for the Pitot and lights. I also cleaned up and secured the wiring for the pitot. I also installed the fuel hoses for both wings (need to re-order the left wing fuel return hose as it's just a little too short) and installed new fuel supply/filter bungs. The original ones were a little beat up :( .

  Apr 11, 2023     Install right wing - (1 hour)       Category: Wings

Was able to make quick work of the right wing. Only had one bolt that took some "percussive persuasion" to get fully installed. Bolts are in, but not torqued down. Still have to clean up the wires, connections, and get all bolts torqued.

  Apr 09, 2023     Wiring cleanup and prep for wing install - (4 hours) Category: Wings

Had the family come out to help get everything ready for the wing install. Drilled and installed all the nutplates for the right wing root fairing, as well as some other odds and ends. We did spend about 45 mins trying to locate and remove a blind rivet mandrill that somehow got into one of the leading edge bays (third bay from the wingtip). We can see it on a boroscope, but can't seem to be able to fish it out. It may just live there forever!

  Mar 26, 2023     Left Wing Install - (3 hours)       Category: Wings

Installed nutplates for wing root fairing, as well as electrical connectors for for wing wiring. Found a local supplier for Dry Ice and had frozen wing spar bolts to help make installation a little easier. With the help of a few friends, we were able to get the left wing installed and all bolts successfully inserted. Ran out of time so have to wait to get the right wing installed.

  Mar 05, 2023     Wing root fairing install - (3 hours) Category: Wings

More section 44. Drill for nutplates, deburr everything, dimple, install nutplates (except those called out). ****Make sure you also dimple the somewhat "random" locations on the fuse and fairing supports that are called out for flush rivets. *****
Had everything just about ready, but realized I didn't have my pop-rivet dimple set to dimple the skin on the fuse. Hopefully I don't have to remove any of the flap system to get access. Kinda fun to see visible progress and doing a little metalwork again.
I also drilled a hole for the fuel sender wire, but need to make or find a template for my CPC connectors. May bust out the 3D printer to make a drill guide as well as order the right step-drill bit.

  Mar 04, 2023     Wing removal - (1 hour)       Category: Wings

It was time to remove the wings so I could circle back to section 44. With the help of my daughter and some friends, we removed both wings with no fuss. It's weird to see the airplane with it's wings off! Hoping I can install the bulkhead CPC connectors, wing root fairing supports, and all the other little things in the next few weeks and have the wings back on before the end of the month.

  Feb 25, 2023     More FAB work - (2 hours)       Category: Engine

Weather went from 80 on Wed, to freezing and flurries on Saturday. Was not a very productive day. Found my "ChalkShot" hole marking tool and transferred the markings from the original top plate to the new one I fabricated. Drilled the mounting holes and marked the air inlet hole, but need to get some cutoff wheels to cut it out. Hopefully weather warms up a bit more as my propane heater can't heat my new larger hangar space as easily as it could in the builder hangar.

  Feb 23, 2023     Filtered Air Box - (4 hours) Category: Engine

Worked on the FAB (Filtered Air Box) in the new hangar today. Since I have the SDS system, trying to match the instructions to reality can be difficult. I fitted the FAB using the rubber hose and the SDS FAB mounting kit to the engine (but not the four threaded rods). Marked and cut the FAB snout to length to ensure the cowl will clear it, and then set up the FAB with the filter (and 1/16" washers) to set the height of the mounting plate vs the top of the airbox. Drilled and clecoed the holes. Then proceeded to cut the threaded rod provided by SDS to length to mark the mounting holes for the threaded rod. Realized that I should have done the threaded rod first as the adapter on the mounting plate interfered with one of the rods. Option was to order a new VA-130-B Air Box top plate, or just manufacture a new VA-130-C mount plate. I had spare aluminum of the correct size, so I'm making a new mount plate.
Using the old plate as a template, I cut the new plate to size, match drilled the outer ring of mounting holes and the holes for the treaded rod. Then I'll rotate the orignial mount plate to locate the new holes for the SDS adapter. Just a few hours of extra work.

  Feb 11, 2023     Move to new Hangar (part 2) - (3 hours)       Category: Workshop

Finally had a few hours to coordinate the airplane tug from the West side of the airport to the East side. I have not completed engine start yet, so can't move under my own power. Working with APP Jet on the airfield, they were awesome in getting me across the runways to my new hangar. (Took a while for tower to find a gap in the traffic). With the help of my daughter, we were able to squeak the airplane out of the hangar and onto the ramp so the tug could pick us up. I was quite nervous but the technician was a pro and even pushed the plane into it's new home! Now to finish setting up the workshop so I can make some progress on the project.

  Feb 05, 2023     Move to new Hangar (part 1) - (16 hours)       Category: Workshop

I finally got the call that my name came up on the airfield wait list. While I have been working in the EAA hangar for the last 2 years, I'm excited to move to a private hangar. The EAA hangar was a bit of a "shared" space and chapter members could walk through the space on occasion and it just made me nervous leaving all my things out, so an hour or so was spend quickly locking up supplies. The new hangar allows me to be more relaxed as I don't have the concern. Also the new hangar is a bit larger (at least it feels that way since it's only my stuff in there!). I spent the weekend with my family moving everything around via UHAUL truck. Tools, workbenches, parts, containers, shelving units, etc. Even was able to finally get my EAA workbenches out of storage and into the Hangar. It was a long 2 days, but got to the point where the only thing left was the actual airplane that needed to be moved!

  Jan 01, 2023     Project update 2023 Category: General

So I had very little motivation for updates over the last 2 years. Progress was slow and not very visible. "Today I re-wired the ", or "I rerouted wires under the instrument panel because I didn't like how they looked". Overall a LOT of things have happened that I'll quickly highlight.
Avionics fully installed and tested
Fuel system installed
Engine sensors installed and wired
Electrical system mostly installed (batteries and contactors not done yet)
Pitot/AOA system installed,
Flight controls installed (temporarily)
ELT and O2 tank installed.
Ground power plug with contactor installed.
AC hoses are run from rear seats forward.

Still have work on cowling, engine baffles, some wire management and routing, and EGT sensors to install. None of the fairings are even looked at, and no final interior parts are installed (seats, carpet, etc., but they are all ready).

My goal is to be flying this year, so hopefully I'll be doing a bunch of posts this year as visible progress is made

  Apr 30, 2022     Almost done running wires - (6 hours)       Category: Avionics

Spend the morning at the airport with my daughter running wires for the tail strobe, taxi, and landing lights. We also installed the fittings on the GSU-25 for the pitot, static, and AOA tubes.
Also had another local builder (Rick) stop by to help mount a few items on the firewall (one of the shunts and the fuel pressure regulator). Supervised my daughter as she drilled the holes for the FlyLeds mounting plate and installed the circuit board onto the plate. She also picked the final spot where the FlyLeds controller was mounted against the wing spar under the pilot seat (Industrial Velcro is way overkill for this tiny controller).
I then spent another few hours cleaning up some of the wire bundles behind the instrument panel and figuring out how best to keep the wires out of the way so nobody snags anything with their feet!
Also had to take some time to talk to some visitors as we had our local chapter Young Eagle event going on today.

  Mar 21, 2021     More engine accessories installed - (2 hours)       Category: Engine

So was not as productive as I originally planned today, but did make some progress. I installed my prop governor as well as the Coil Packs in the mounting brackets that replaced the magneto pads. I still need to safety wire the Coil Pack mounting hardware, but did get the torqued to spec. Getting the safety wire installed may be a real pain due to limited access.
I also mounted the spinner backplate to the prop, but decided not to install the prop solo (even though I really wanted to). I need to get some measurements off the prop so I can purchase some BladeSox to protect the blades while I'm moving around in the hangar (plus I think they look nice). Just can't easily do that with them in the box.
The other item I wanted to get mounted was the AC compressor (or at least the mounting hardware and the belt, but looks like I'm missing some studs (or I just need to order the correct studs) so I can get the compressor mount installed. They didn't come with the AC kit. I currently have a few messages out to see if I can figure out exactly what I need to get.
I also removed the doors from the cabin top and brought them home so I can try to do some composite work in my heated garage. I'm running up against the use-by date for the Lord adhesive that I'm planning to use to mount the windows in the doors. Once the windows are in, I'll plan to leave "as-is" until this summer when temps don't dip below freezing at night so I can finish up the cabin top to door composite work in the hangar.

  Mar 20, 2021     Starting to install engine accessories - (3 hours)       Category: Engine

I had not installed any of the accessories on the engine prior to installing it, so it was time to try to start installing these items. First up is my 20Amp "backup" alternator. This is a B&C alt that installs on the vacuum pad. Install was pretty straight-forward. Removed the pad cover, install the gasket with Loctite 518 per instructions and torque down. trying to get the bottom bolt next to the oil filter torqued sucked, but I was finally able to get it with some crows feet and a small torque wrench.

Next was installing the main alternator. Another B&C 60 amp. Again following the instructions it's pretty straight-forward. Does require you to remove the flywheel and I had to remove the SDS magnet sensor bracket to install one of the bolts. Didn't torque anything down yet as I will need to take it all off again to install the AC compressor, but it's at least mostly mounted. Had to cut my work session a bit short so didn't get to install prop-governor or the SDS coil packs. Maybe tomorrow I can do that and possibly mount the prop so I can start messing with the cowl.

  Mar 14, 2021     Engine Install - (4 hours)       Category: Engine

Had a few friends over to help install the engine. One item that we were able to borrow was a "load leveler" that a fellow EAA member was willing to lend me. This allowed us to not have to fuss as much picking the engine up with the hoist as we could adjust on the fly. Only bit of advice, keep a little space between the engine, leveler, and hoist pick-up point as possible. We didn't at first and had to re-rig it.
Ended up using the "stock" Barry mounts (or VIP as they are listed on the Vans Store) vs the Lord mounts. Was just about to change when my FWF shipped so I opted to stay with the stock setup.
Getting the engine mounted and bolts lined up wasn't as bad as I had heard from others. We were able to get the top two mount points installed (bolt through the elastomer and bushing and the nuts finger tight. Then using the engine leveler, and a little brute force, we got the elastomers installed loosely on the bottom mounts and could just get the bolt into the passenger side lower mount. Pilot side wouldn't line up, so we started to torque down the three bolts we could get started. As we started to put a little torque on the bolts, and used just a little force, we were able to get the last bolt installed. Then we torqued them down to final specs.