Music: Gerry Rafferty and Daily Mix.
A lot to do today, as every day! When the delivery arrived I found that some of what I had ordered was out of stock. It’s not a big problem as there are lots of other jobs to do. So I’ll wire up the power side of the system and label, install and test the radio and transponder coax cable.
Today focuses on finalising some of the work I had already started but was waiting on parts.
First up is to rivet the throttle into place.
A view of the throttle installation from the top.
Next is to replace the 5/16″ bolts that were found to be damaged.
Once tightened the nuts are marked with torque seal to indicate any movement in service.
The canopy latch striker plates are riveted into place.
And the spring return plate is riveted into place and the spring connected.
The trim motors are normally riveted into place but I’ve decided to use an M3 bolt and nyloc bolt as it will be easier to change should there be a problem.
The wiring needs to be done next but I’ll leave that for another day.
A number of jobs today including some to finalise previously started installations.
The throttle quadrant was cleco’d in position temporarily to allow the cables to be run. This needs to be riveted with 4mm x 15mm rivets which I need to purchase.
The temporary holes were 3.2mm so I’ll open them out ready for riveting tomorrow.
The throttle and choke cables need to be adjusted, tightened and cut to length.
A small piece of heat shrink is put on the end to stop it fraying in service before it is cut to size.
The drip trays are held in position by a bracket at one end and a piece of wire lock at the other. A small hole is drilled in the drip tray to facilitate.
The right hand tray is quite close to the fuel line so a small modification was made to the tray itself and a small piece of plastic tubing secured on the top of the tray to stop it rubbing on the pipe.
View of the final installation.
One of the jobs on my ‘todo’ list was to torque the brake disks so the wheel is jacked using a simple wooded jack.
The bolts are torqued…
and marked with torque seal. This will allow me to see if there is any movement in the bolts whilst in service.
Next job to do fit the canopy locks and striker plates.
Once cut to size, holes countersunk and smoothed off they can be painted.
The striker plate in place ready to be riveted into place tomorrow.
The canopy lock and release are installed and tightened.
The actuating wire is cut to size and fed through the operating arm and finally the installation is sealed with silicone sealer.
This evening’s plan is to install the throttle quadrant and cable the carburettors.
I had already drilled to quadrant last night. So tonight I’ll attach it with Clecos temporally until the cables install is complete.
Grommets are added to the firewall before the cables are run through.
The throttle cables are fed through the cable clamps.
and the choke cable end nipple is added.
The cable positions are checked for full movement and correct operation and then tightened.
The cables are wire locked to the adjusters to ensure they don’t move in operation.
Right side view.
Top view.
Left side view.
Today plan is to finish off some tasks that will see the completion of the oil system, exhaust system, NACA duct, and installing the rest of throttle cables ready for the throttle quadrant install.
The hose clamp are added to the oil return line…
and the oil bottle. I’ve tried to position the clamps to make sure they are easier to get to for maintenance but out the way so someone working on in the engine bay won’t snag their hands or clothing on them.
The oil pump to oil radiator pipe is clamped and fire sleeving is added as the pipe runs very close to the exhaust down pipe.
Fire sleeving should protect the oil hose but I will be adding some exhaust wrap to further protect the pipe. The oil system is now complete.
To finish the exhaust system install I need to apply some copper ease to the pipes to enable them to move slightly in service.
and also on the exhaust connection pipe.
After checking the run of the pipes the nuts are tightened to complete the exhaust install.
One of the jobs I can do between other jobs is to paint the rudder pedals. Two coats are needed leaving then to dry for about an hour between coats.
Last coat applied and drying off in the sun.
I had already drilled the NACA ducts but the mastic to seal them was too cold to apply so I had to warm it up slightly to apply it.
When I riveted the right side NACA duct I slipped twice and scratched the paintwork slightly which will need touching up and polishing out at some point. To stop this happening again I applied some asking tape around the rivet.
Right side duct. As you can see a slight scratch on the left rivet.
and the lefthand duct. A better job on this side. The duct install is now complete but still needs the Scat hose to be added for the cabin air vents.
The throttle cables have to be cut and made up. A few drops of oil down the outer will allow the cable to run smoothly and operate better in service.
Ferrules are added to the outers before fitting.
Wire locking is added and a piece of heat shrink tubing is slipped over the assembly to ensure is doesn’t undo.
The throttle quadrant is complete and will be installed when I come back this evening.
G-MLSY 