hammdo

Did some pattern work today to get ready for a flight to test the IcyBreeze but what I’m reporting on is how much I love the knee bolster! I didn’t think I’d really get much out of it but after flying 1.2 hours today, I’m sold… Between that and the IcyBreeze, it will be much more comfortable flying… Really surprised how much that bolster helped… Did have to tighten up the copilots side cowl flap bracket but everything thing else has checked out. Right fuel sender is on the list to overhaul soon… -Don

And that is a rebuilt one too… notice the stop tabs… yikes… -Don

So, I was reviewing the log book history for this engine. It was IRAN'd by Aircraft Specialties Services in Tulsa. A complete lower rebuild, line-bored, cam, lifters, crank certified, new rod bolts, bearings, rings, etc. The cylinder's were IRAN'd vs overhauled since they had about 1300 hours on them @ the time. So not a 'true' rebuild but taking the Mike Busch mantra, she should be just fine to keep flying 'on condition'. The engine was installed as a factory overhaul @ 1991.28 Tach Time and was a first run overhaul that had 1960 hours when it was overhauled. The IRAN was done @ 3361.1 Tach hours. The engine @ the time of the last oil change was 4082.28, so 721.18 hours on it since the IRAN in 2006. Looking at all the oil analysis from Sabremech and myself, I couldn't be happier with the reports so far and, the lack of materials in the filter. I did mention the IRAN and hours since to Blackstone so we can keep an eye on things. Fly and change the oil often. Camguard is only a precaution for me. I know how some folks feel about it but if it keeps the engine clean, helps the guides/valves, and helps with the time she has to sit (mostly annuals or and long maintenance items), I'll continue to use it. Oil analysis trends are very nice but the filter is the 'immediate' answer I look for. After the tank patch, I'll be doing a treatment of Boeshield to the airframe and engine compartment. I have an update to LHS system so I'll add that -- may have a line on a 'good' WX-900 that has the backlight working so I may get that and try it before investing in a new StrikeFinder. Still waiting on the Garmin Auto Pilot Pitch Trim resolution. Testing out some LEDs for the Nu-lites to see if I can get something brighter. Gotta test the IcyBreeze too... Maintenance is an ongoing deal with these older planes. She loves to fly... -Don

Blackstone report looks good — had more down time as I had an annual, new windshield, and electric fuel pump etc happening in the first 6 months. Report looks great! Engine is humming along…

That was my first thought, thanks! -Don

May need to do a wobble test on the valves to see if it’s a morning sickness thing (guides need reaming)… -Don

Flock of seagulls must have be in the way… ;o) wonder what they encountered on the way up to do that much damage… -Don

Well, after spending time looking over the StormScope issue, looks like I’ll modernize and get an Insight StrikeFinder. I want the GFC-500 however; I have become accustomed to having that kind of instrumentation for Texas weather. I’m still waiting for Garmin resolution for trim so I’ll wait another year. Looks like Insight has a Oshkosh special so I’ll look into that. I have the right tank planned so timing is an issue. Never a dull moment in aircraft ownership… -Don

These can work in a pinch https://www.amazon.com/KAISH-Vintage-Amplifier-Accessories-Amplifiers/dp/B09ZV3DPL8/ref=dp_prsubs_sccl_3/138-2491507-9873956?pd_rd_w=ISaOn&content-id=amzn1.sym.6a0b07b6-1a0b-45e8-8450-5c85af215183&pf_rd_p=6a0b07b6-1a0b-45e8-8450-5c85af215183&pf_rd_r=FZF9KJG53BKPPHPGK9NQ&pd_rd_wg=Pjf2t&pd_rd_r=b61b2438-38f9-4f3b-b718-fe754c4a9802&pd_rd_i=B09ZV3DPL8&psc=1 multiple colors - will need a little work to make fit… -Don

Went to swap out the StormScope and this one didn't work either. I did some investigating and it looks like the connector is bad on the wiring harness. I discovered 4 pins 'pushed out'. I pushed them back in but every time I tried to connect to the StormScope, they pushed out. I do have a good wiring harness so may need to swap them out. While I was there, I added a 'knee bolster' (something I used when racing to rest the knee) to the wheel well plastic cover. My leg gets a little sore on long flights so got this one from Amazon -- fits nice. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCWDQ7R?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I ran the 3m velcro vertical so I could remove the bolster and also remove the cover easily -- will be trying that out on the next flight along with the IcyBreeze. Pics:

Permatex #3 works also - can get it from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80019-Aviation-Gasket-Sealant/dp/B000HBM3QQ/ref=asc_df_B000HBM3QQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241895017383&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12091684444529427736&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026794&hvtargid=pla-492732657309&psc=1 I’ve used this based on an article from Maxwells… -Don

That looks like 0 fun right there… wow… -Don

That’s beautiful… -Don

Same here but I tend to put my flight bag in the rear seat for easy access but, that is an option! I'll try both ways -- I will only need to use it about 4 months out of the year. AZ and Texas have those brutal months and I do need 'some' relief for really about an hour to hour and a half... -Don

For my C, yeah… I would like a smaller version just for the hour or so of ground/climb/decent/landing operations… I’ll test it out and see how it goes… -Don

Hum.. that is interesting. Let me see if upload to documents section does..

Zip it then add to upload… that should work… -Don

The IcyBreeze fits (very close though)! I had to push it down as the top of the rear seat leans back. Still had space for the towbar and my tool bags. Opening the lid is very tight but at least it fit. Easy in/out of the baggage door. Note I have the handle positioned to the door opening to facilitate removal. I have a pump to remove the excess water after use. We'll see how it works. I need fly her to see how the right fuel sender is working -- I may wait until the fuel tank patch to have it overhauled. Stormscope switchout this weekend... -Don

I had 2 issues with mine. I have the towel antenna and after having the splitter replaced and the kx-155 validated, It was better but was still losing signal. I had the 50 year old antenna/assembly replace with new and finally the signal was very strong. I still have the old wiring/cable too… May be something to check… -Don

I like these for chocks… https://ropechocks.com/

And there is a difference in the original SWTA 201 windshield vs the factory/Lasar 201. The Lasar 201 is bit further forward and doesn’t have as much room for the inspection panels. Something to keep in mind when you fit the cover - may need to tweak things for the SWTA cover to fit. I have the SWTA 201 version on my C and just had the windshield replaced. -Don

IcyBreeze Arrived! Looks very well made, lots of options (I have the 10 amp battery, dual outlets and remote!). Very nice unit and look forward to trying it out VERY soon. Here are some pics -- well boxed and protected -- like the lifetime warranty (except scratches etc):

Flight to Lubbock was good, got a chance to see what it’s like taking 3 adults and density altitude of 6500 ft was like. She did ok, required a higher fuel flow to keep cool. Stormscope acted up so, that will be switched out. Right fuel sender will be sent for overhaul, noticed it was wiggling too much for my liking. 3 weeks and she’ll be at Maxwells for a right tank patch. Seems maintenance is an on going process for this old gal but, she does like to fly! Bought an IcyBreeze and Wing View tint - the tint works great and made for a very comfortable trip! I really like I can move those as needed… waiting on the IcyBreeze - made in Sweetwater! -Don

IRAN or overhaul - are they first run cylinders? If so, that may be the way to go… -Don

For that amount of work, a skytec may be in order - just a thought… -Don