Apr 16, 2023     Engine - (2 hours)       Category: Engine

Removed starter, alternator from engine and cleaned these and the engine. Rotated engine to insure oil is distributed throughout interior.

  Nov 17, 2022     Engine Preserving - (3.5 hours)       Category: Engine

Continued with work on preserving the engine and corrosion protection while engine sits and build continues. I completed removal of the intake pipes, cleaning and corrosion x treatment inside the sump passageways then sealing openings. Exhaust pipes were removed and the valves (intake and exhaust) were treated with corrosion x and metal plates placed over opening and secured in placed with flanges. gasket material used to make a nice seal.

Once the intake and exhaust treatment was completed I rotated the engine on the engine stand 180 degrees to get the rust / corrosion inhibiting oil (Phillips brand) to the top end of the engine, ie. cam etc. I plan on making a 180 degree rotation about every 4-5 weeks. This is probably not necessary but won't hurt.

I noticed and obvious leak of oil around the sump and case. I will monitor. I could replace this prior to a test run but not sure I should repair a minor leak or wait. I will monitor and ask questions of an A&P.

Engine remains now on engine stand with the come-a-long attached as a safety measure. exhaust parts and intake tubes stored below with the engine covered with cardboard to allow air movement but limit dust from landing on the surfaces.

  Nov 12, 2022     Engine stand modification - (2.5 hours)       Category: Engine

I added a piece of rectangular tube to the front of the engine stand forming an H at the base which helped with the stability. I was able to suspend the engine from the hoist and move the stand to a location to weld and also able to remove the bolting plate and shorten the tubes use to bolt through to the engine mount. This helped move weight back towards the upright and center that weight more effectively.

  Nov 10, 2022     Engine preservation - (4 hours)       Category: Engine

Today I spent time spraying Corrosion X into the cylinder, valve train, valves etc. The ports were capped with the plates that I made earlier in the week and gasket material used to seal the area to prevent leakage of the Corrosion X or entry of any moisture. Although, moisture isn't a real concern as the shop/garage is maintained at a pretty consistent temperature and we live in a dry area (Central Washington). While performing this project I also cleaned up some surface corrosion which was found under the valve covers. I expect the Corrosion X will help eliminate corrosion issues.

Removed baffles between the cylinders and will clean these at a later time as well as a good cleaning of the engine. I noticed while rotating the engine as I worked on it the engine stand was a bit tippy thus the com-a-long hook remains attached. Later modification to the engine stand will include a cross member with casters to provide lateral stability.

The advantage of having the engine on a stand is I can rotate the engine periodically to ensure oil (anti rust Phillips 66) coats the interior.

  Nov 09, 2022     Corrosion protection - (1.5 hours)       Category: Engine

Remove exhaust and intake pipes and made covers to install after corrosion X is applied inside ports. For exhaust are just made of aluminum and are held in place by the stack fittings. Purpose is to close up the hole.

  Nov 07, 2022     Engine Removed & Corrosion protection - (5.5 hours)       Category: Engine

Engine was removed from airframe and placed on an engine stand. I was assisted by my friend Steve who is pretty good with mechanics and has an interest in my CH750 project.

Changed engine oil and used Phillips 66 Anti Rust / Corrosion Aviation Oil (SAE 20W50). Made a mess on the shop floor as oil over-flowed the container. Poor size calculation on my part. Once oil added to engine, with engine on engine stand, I rotated the engine 180 degrees along longitudinal access to get oil into all areas of the interior. I then added some oil into each cylinder, just enough to lightly coat the interior walls.

I noticed during this process the engine stand was not real stable. I have a come-a-long hooked to the engine hook loosely which worked well as a safe guard. Modification to the engine stand will be completed in the near future to make it more stable.