No Thursday edition due to the extra part time jobs. Doug need beauty sleep (good luck w/that). ;^). Here’s Friday’s and wishing you and yours a happy, safe and RV-filled weekend.
v/r,dr
Update: Two shops have told me the crank is not repairable. Nothing wrong with a second opinion...right?
I did find the head of the crank bolt (or at least the "bolt holding on the crank gear") in the oil sump as expected. One of the smart guys hanging around the shop noticed this is NOT an aircraft-grade bolt. It appears whomever built this engine couldn't be bothered to use the proper hardware, and raided the aircraft isle at home depot instead...which is sad. I'm surprised this bolt lasted the 100 hours or so that it did. I also discovered the castellated nut under the cam gear was never even installed.
So far, the cylinders all look good, and all the rings/pistons were intact and looked good. I have high hopes all 4 will pass inspection. All the connecting rods, however showed a bit of play or wabble on the crank...I don't think they should do that. The first look at cam and lifters look ok, but they're still in the case. I should have the case split in the next few days, then off to Tulsa with the bits for the proper examinations and testing by professionals.
I'm looking forward to an engine that I will PERSONALLY know is built right, using the right stuff.
OFF TOPIC:
Please consider donating annually to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
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Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
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v/r,dr
First Flight: Allen Maris’ RV-7A | Santa Ynez, CA. RV-7A #72995
https://www.vansaircraft.com/first-flights/allen-maris-rv-7a/
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First Flight: Don Lepek’s RV-14A | Grand Prairie, TX. RV-14A #140947
https://www.vansaircraft.com/first-flights/don-lepeks-rv-14a/
vansairforce.net
N720AK is airworthy!
It's been a while since I posted, and I'm so happy to be able to report good news. I started my build in June of 2015, and here in November of 2025 finally received my airworthiness certificate! Trevor Vita has been helping me get the build over the finish line, and I was thrilled to have him...
vansairforce.net
:)
Just a quick evening flight to check out the locally-famous happy face, which is right about at peak for the year:
vansairforce.net
old farts forming up for another season
Treasure Coast KFPR Invite… For Thursday, May 2nd, 2024… https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?e=985d565717&u=c4993321b97ea47e644911b20&id=732eecc91b Time to head to the Coast… Treasure Coast International KFPR. I’ve talked with Frank at APP Jet Center. I’ve talked with Jennifer at the Tiki...
vansairforce.net
Plane slower than spec at maximum throttle forward
Hoping to trouble shoot this. I have a new to me rv14, and at maxium throttle, 7500 to 10500 feet, I'm only gettin 158 knots maximum TAS. This is with varied fuel flows, rich, lean, max power rich, and varied prop speeds, with 2480 RPM seeming to be optimal for max speed. Any suggestions...
vansairforce.net
SB-00116 Regarding Autopilot Servo Attach Brackets Published
Mine is a 2015 with 1780 hours. All the rivets were in place and in good condition. I removed the angles from the bulkhead and replaced the 6 rivets on the bench. Total time to remove the interior, panels, R&R rivets, 42 minutes. Putting it back together will take a little longer. How did...
vansairforce.net
UPDATE -- RV-7 engine failure, Emer landing, no damage/injuries
Flying from Winslow Az (KINW) to levelland tx KLLN), fat, dumb, and happy at 9500’. Suddenly out of nowhere (and over nowhere) engine rolled back. Mix, prop, throttle forward, aux pump on, and no power. Engine never stopped rotating, so I should have pulled prop aft. Made the call to center...
vansairforce.net
I did find the head of the crank bolt (or at least the "bolt holding on the crank gear") in the oil sump as expected. One of the smart guys hanging around the shop noticed this is NOT an aircraft-grade bolt. It appears whomever built this engine couldn't be bothered to use the proper hardware, and raided the aircraft isle at home depot instead...which is sad. I'm surprised this bolt lasted the 100 hours or so that it did. I also discovered the castellated nut under the cam gear was never even installed.
So far, the cylinders all look good, and all the rings/pistons were intact and looked good. I have high hopes all 4 will pass inspection. All the connecting rods, however showed a bit of play or wabble on the crank...I don't think they should do that. The first look at cam and lifters look ok, but they're still in the case. I should have the case split in the next few days, then off to Tulsa with the bits for the proper examinations and testing by professionals.
I'm looking forward to an engine that I will PERSONALLY know is built right, using the right stuff.
Elevator damage
Hello everybody A few days ago I had an accident in the hangar that damaged the RH elevator in my RV6A. Do you think it is worth it to buy the skin E-601PP-L from Vans or just buy a piece of 0.016” alclad and cut the new parts at home? Cheers
vansairforce.net
OFF TOPIC:
Please consider donating annually to help keep this American 1-person pirate ship afloat:
Get your VansAirForce.net Charity Cap!
VAF Charity Cap: Help your charity and promote this site.
Get the cap all the cool kids are wearing! I don’t get a penny. It’s around $15. $5 more if you want your N-number on the back (I put 'STAFF' on the back of mine because it makes me laugh. Put STAFF on yours too if it makes you smile). And down the road $10 to the charity of your choice...
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Older issues of the ‘VAF News’ can be found at:
Doug's Area ...The VAF News, About VAF, My Resume
Pushed out every now and then.
www.vansairforce.net
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
THE VAF LIST (a list of RV-related lists)
The VAF List ...a list of RV-related lists. RV-related things you might want to browse over (a closed post that is sticky and maintained by dr). Link to this in 'Links' in the menu. v/r,dr Small businesses that help bring you this list of RV-related lists: 360 Avionics www.360Avionics.com Ace...
vansairforce.net
