SonexBuilders.net

Hi Guys,

I'm still trying to get all the fiberglass parts ready for paint.

Here is a pic of the front of my engine.



Notice that I have a dipstick instead of the little cable that is used on the AeroVee. I much prefer the function of the regular dipstick but access does present a problem. As for adding oil, if I am remembering right, on the AeroVee there is a plug with O-rings for oil fill. It seems to me that that plug could only be accessed either via a door in the cowl or by removing the top of the cowl. The plans don't call for any "doors" in the upper cowl.

Question: How are all you Onex guys handling adding oil? Do you just remove the top cowl to add oil?

I have searched through most of the completion gallery and haven't seen an access door in any of the Onex cowls.

Thanks for Your Time,

Wes

Hi Wes,
I've got a Sonex, but with the same problem. I made a small access door just large enough to fit my hand through directly above the dip stick. I also made a nozzle and hose to fit onto the lid of an old litre sized oil bottle that fits neatly into the dip stick hole. I can easily add a 100ml of oil to top up as required. Adding a full oil change down that hole would take forever though. Unfortunately I never thought to take a picture.

Hi Richard,

That's probably the best answer. I know I don't want two holes/doors. What I'm thinking right now is just a round hole with a round cover with a couple of quarter turn fasteners to access the dipstick. As I remember the round cover conforms to the cowl top well.

Wes

I have used a plastic syringe and a tube that fits in the dip stick hole to add four or five ounces at a time. Other than that it only takes two minutes to take out 10 screws and remove the top cowl.

Onex107 wrote:I have used a plastic syringe and a tube that fits in the dip stick hole to add four or five ounces at a time.

Hi Maurice,

I missed your post. Something like that is exactly what I would like to do. I was thinking what would be nice is some kind of a small (1 quart) hand pump that dispensed a known amount of oil per pump.

I spent way too much time fretting about this, but this is what I finally ended up doing for dipstick access. It's a 2 1/2" square door covering a 2" square opening.



I'll fill and sand the rivet holes. I'll also have to buy a phillips head fastener so I won't gouge the cowl every time I open the door :-)

I was going to use a round cover with two fasteners but decided to eat a little pain now to avoid some hassle each and every time I check the oil. The door is "part of the crew, part of the ship" and will be in the way while painting but ..., oh well.

Tomorrow I have a full blown appointment with some stupid expensive fasteners.

Wes

Hi Wes,
No need for expensive fasteners, two machine screws and nutplats wil do the job nicely and add a couple of hours of work to have a nice finish.

You can get that very pump you're looking for at a marina or West Marine. It's used for filling lower units with gear oil. Messy though.

dirkverdonck wrote:Hi Wes,
No need for expensive fasteners, two machine screws and nutplats wil do the job nicely and add a couple of hours of work to have a nice finish.

Hi Dirk,

Too late. Already pressed the "Place Order" button.

I think I will add another door. I know I'll be glad I did in the long run.

Area 51% wrote:You can get that very pump you're looking for at a marina or West Marine. It's used for filling lower units with gear oil. Messy though.

Hi Randy,

Yea, I've been poking around and found several pumps. I will probably just add another door. I already have a fueling issue trying to limit my travels. I don't want to compound that with an oil problem.

Wes

Hi Guys,

I didn't want to, but I went ahead and added a second door for oil fill. I know I'll be glad I did.

I'll be going for that black and chrome look of the old Harleys I used to drool over when I was a kid.

.

Wes