Michael's Sonex #145

[rizzz]

I do believe it's pretty normal to weigh down the tail when you're at that phase of the build process. Once you install the tail it won't be an issue.

Good to know.
Thanks Mike.

[rizzz]

Now that I have the engine in place, the question becomes, do I start the thing or do I wait until I'm a little closer to my first flight.
I still have to complete the canopy, cowling and final details on my Sonex so I'm at least 6 months to a year away from flying (if not more).
It is very tempting to put oil in the engine and see how it runs, but is that a good idea given that it will then basically sit there for such a long time before I can really give it a good run and get the oil temperature up?

[MichaelFarley56]

Is the engine preserved at all? Is there any oil in there at this point?

Personally, if it were me, I'd probably wait a little while. I decided that I wasn't going to start my engine until I had the electrical system completed so I could monitor all engine temps and pressures even on the first start. Plus, I knew the engine pieces had a protective layer of oil and white lithium grease on the bearings that I didn't want to burn off by running the engine then letting the thing just sit there for long periods of time. The last thing I wanted was my brand new engine rusting on the inside!

But, it's obviously your choice! :mrgreen:

[Bryan Cotton]

I would wait.

[rizzz]

Is the engine preserved at all? Is there any oil in there at this point?

Personally, if it were me, I'd probably wait a little while. I decided that I wasn't going to start my engine until I had the electrical system completed so I could monitor all engine temps and pressures even on the first start. Plus, I knew the engine pieces had a protective layer of oil and white lithium grease on the bearings that I didn't want to burn off by running the engine then letting the thing just sit there for long periods of time. The last thing I wanted was my brand new engine rusting on the inside!

All bearings etc. have been lubricated, pretty much followed the AeroVee assembly manual on this but I used CRC Molly Graphite assembly lube instead of white lithium grease, for some reason white lithium seems to be really hard to find here in Aus, most guys on the VW racing forums seem to use this stuff instead of white lithium anyway.

But, it's obviously your choice! :mrgreen:

It's a hard decision but I do know what the right choice is, it's just that the other choice is very tempting.

[rizzz]

I would wait.

That is indeed the right choice.

[rizzz]

While I'm waiting for some parts from Great Plains to fix my engine, I've pushed the plane into the back yard and taken a few pictures:

[mike20sm]

I like your paint scheme. How are people painting their piano hinges without having them bind up or have interference issues? Do they tape them off and not paint them at all?

[rizzz]

I like your paint scheme. How are people painting their piano hinges without having them bind up or have interference issues? Do they tape them off and not paint them at all?

I painted the control surfaces etc. separate. I did not worry about masking the hinges or anything, no problems.
The canopy was installed and masked with the hinges exposed so these were painted like that, again, no problems.

[rizzz]

Photograph courtesy of Leanne M Williams