Aug 10, 2023     Restarting Engine Work - (0.5 hour) Category: Workshop

Unpacked engine parts from QBA Spring Fling 2022.

  Jun 08, 2023     Spring Cleaning - (1.0 hour)       Category: Workshop

Since the airplane is stored in an enclosed but non-conditioned hangar, spring cleaning also extends to the airplane. I ran a vacuum with a horse hair brush across all of the surfaces to remove a year's worth of accumulated dust and dirt. More importantly, our hanger seems to shed sticky goo from the ceiling which inevitably lands on my airplane. I'm sure it's a roof sealant of some kind but it sure is annoying!

  Apr 23, 2023     Filter Replacement - (0.5 hour)       Category: Workshop

After 17 months of dutiful service, it was long past due to change the workshop air filters. I had to make do with a larger size than I wanted to get the charcoal filter, a necessity sharing a room with a litter box. Supposedly MERV 11, to boot. We'll see if it makes a worthwhile difference.

https://www.ruralking.com/catalog/product/view/id/186192

  Feb 23, 2023     Cleaning - (0.4 hour) Category: Workshop

Finished cleaning and organizing engine work area.

  Feb 16, 2023     Cleaning - (0.3 hour) Category: Workshop

Swept shop floor and moved engine assembly table back to original location underneath overhead work light.

  Feb 10, 2023     Engine Hoist - (2.3 hours)       Category: Workshop

Finished assembling engine hoist.
Northern Tool Item #46219

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200640934_200640934

  Jan 08, 2023     2023 Prep - (0.1 hour) Category: Workshop

Began cleaning the shop in preparation for this year's building activities.

  Jun 24, 2022     Engine Stand - (0.7 hour)       Category: Workshop

Picked up new case attachment hardware to use with the new mount:
2x 35mm M10x1.5 bolts
2x M10 washers
1x M10x1.5 nut

As expected, the JB Weld failed right in the middle of the joint once the handle was tightened down. Turns out all my efforts may have been a complete waste... Once installed, the weight of the engine seems to bind the yoke in the socket enough to lock the desired rotation in place.

  Jun 23, 2022     Engine Stand - (0.5 hour)       Category: Workshop

Made another attempt at attaching the nut for the rotation lock. I have ZERO expectation this will work but I took it as an opportunity to try using JB Weld for the first time in my life. To give it a fighting chance, I made sure to lay down a wide bead of epoxy and apply a broad fillet in an attempt to spread out the tension load from the nut.

  May 22, 2022     Engine Stand Handle Mod - (0.2 hour)       Category: Workshop

Used a half round file to prepare the nut and engine stand for brazing. This included removing the paint from the engine stand and roughing up the bottom surface of the nut where it will attach.

My hope is to replicate the holding features of the stock bench mount and position the engine at any rotation.

  May 20, 2022     Engine Stand Handle Mod - (0.2 hour)       Category: Workshop

Purchased a nut for adapting the AA Performance threaded handle onto the Harbor Freight engine stand. Threads are M12 x 1.75 mm.

Also picked up a 7mm socket to replace my failed flywheel screw extraction.

  May 16, 2022     Worktable Leg Extensions - (0.2 hour)       Category: Workshop

Got the idea for these from an EAA video I watched years ago:
https://www.eaa.org/videos/6168884050001

Turns out that a used set of these bed risers on Amazon was cheaper than buying 1.125 inch | ~28 mm PVC pipe and came in just the right height. This now brings up my folding table to the same level as my existing workbenches, 37 inches | ~940 mm.

  Apr 13, 2022     Valve Spring Tool - (0.4 hour)       Category: Workshop

Like everything EMPI sells, this was a kit of parts that you can eventually assemble into something functional. As an added bonus, there were no instructions included.

As delivered, the rod would not fit through the holes thanks to the plating and were oval to boot. Some quick work with the step drill fixed the issue.

Product links:
https://empius.com/products/bench-mount-head-assembly-tool-boxed/

https://aapistons.com/products/bench-mount-head-assembly-tool-boxed

How to use:
https://youtu.be/QIsq3TdNkTc

https://youtu.be/riii6o-X4Mc

  Feb 25, 2022     Engine Hoist - (0.6 hour)       Category: Workshop

Began assembly of the engine hoist while at the hangar today.

  Dec 03, 2021     Workshop Filter - (.8 hour)       Category: Workshop

The basement workshop also contains the cat litter box. This "shop filter" adapts an idea found in some YouTube videos in the cheapest & fastest way possible (duct tape + cardboard). The quality of life difference is profound!