One Man LB & Three Blade Pop Lower Cowling Removal

[MatthiasArnold]

Mooniacs,

Thank you for the valuable input on "one man removal of the lower cowling for J models".

Let's push the challenge to the next level and share our knowledge on one-man removing and reinstalling the lower cowling for LB models with three blade props!

To be honest - I personally cannot provide much input to this discussion besides the fact that when doing it solo there is a high likelihood to produce scratches on

• the spinner (caused by the sharp reinforcement sheet metal at the cowling's front),
• the rear side of prop blades (same),
• on the fuselage near the firewall, ..

The initial removal process is pretty similar to J models:

• remove the upper cowling (easy)
• disconnect the input hose/tube for the cabin heat
• remove the covers of the two exhaust pipes (LHS optional)
• disconnect the air filters input duct
• unlock all fasteners except the LHS & RHS top fasteners at the firewall
• Three blade prop: position prop with the top blade showing vertically upwards
• and now the fun part starts ..
  • how to support the cowling?
  • how to tilt the cowling?
  • how to move the cowling?
  • ..

And this is just the removal, not the reinstall .. (I know theoretically: same steps the opposite way).

I'm curious to hear about your learnings.

Best,

Matthias

 

[Schllc]

For the ovation…

I always get a roll of painters tape before I start anything, and put about six inchs of protection on the fuselage directly behind the lower cowling. 
remove top cowling. 
Then loosen all the locking screws out except for one on each side.  
spin prop so one  lace is perpendicular to the ground.  
lay on your back underneath in front of nose wheel and free the air intake panel and the small panel on passenger side. 
go to pilot side and release the one cam lock left so you can access the scat tube that’s connected to the cowling. 
Hold the cowling in place and release the remaining screws.   
get on the ground again and be patient and wiggle it free. 
no real way to describe it in writing, but if you’re patient it will become obvious. 
this is MUCH easier with two people. 
most most most important is the tape. You WILL horribly scratch your plane if you don’t. (Ask me how I know)

the acclaim is MUCH easier, and even doing it alone is no problem. 
 

I can’t speak to the bravo but it looks about as complex as the ovation. 
 

[Will.iam]

TBH this one of the main reasons i have not upgraded to an MT prop. It’s hard enough with a 2 blade single handed, 3 blades would be that much worse. If MT made a 2 blade that was approved for an M20K it would have already been put on. Thanks for the tape tip. When i finally do put a 3 blade on I’ll use that for sure.