Completed annual inspection
I completed my first annual inspection.
Hours flown since first flight Nov 21/2021: 66
No concerns to report, outside these findinds:
The SCAT tube from the heat muff to the heat valve on the firewall showed some rubbing marks despite seemingly sufficient clearance beneath the prop governor. It seems that when flying, air movement/pressure raises the tube enough for it to rub beneath the governor. Additional lacing used to restrict movement.
Very, very small sepage from the #4 cylinder head oil return. Seems to originate from around the AN fitting into the cylinder head. I will closely monitor until next oil change. I know it won't go away by itself. Removing that fitting and re-sealing with Loctite 567 might solve the issue.
One of the 4 landing gear nuts in the gear tower was under torqued. About 1/6 turn was needed to reach proper torque. Did I mention what a monster pain it is to check these?? Luckily, I did the tower mod, otherwise I don't know how I could get in there. With help of the bigger opening, I could remove the interfering screw and nut just above the forward bolt nut and the interfering fuel vent AN fitting just above the rear bolt nut. Wire bundles were also moved out of the way. Doing a poor imitation of a catterpillar in the front cabin, even with the forward stick removed and padding on the center spar section, left me with bruises on the lower ribs... During construction, I knew about dropping the bolts from the top and securing the heads inside the tower. I recall not doing it because the bolt/nut underneath would protrude through the fairing... What a poor decision that was !!! The airplane is back in service now, and in retrospect, I will strongly consider reversing these next year, modifying the fairing accordingly.
I will be 61 years young next month and consider myself in good physical shape. Hopefully still flying and taking care of this bird in the future, I'd like to avoid difficult access to these nuts.
I found water stains in the belly from under the baggage floor to the tail. Small pools formed ahead of the bulkheads. I flew a few times through light rain, nothing serious. I dont think that's the cause. The plane is hangared but it did spend the week outside at Oshkosh last summer, including the monster Saturday night storm. Drainage holes were made in front of the bulkheads.
Everything else is A-OK.
Can't wait for the next flight !!