Sonex-A purchase - What to look for

[daleandee]

It appears you are taking a solid, wise, and measured approach to your undertaking. It also appears that you have a fair amount of experience doing this. I trust that nothing I've posted came across as negative as my purpose was not to cause fear but rather to gender caution and preparation.

If the plane is ready, you are ready, and the weather is good then it's time for you to go and meet the Cottons! Safe travels and use caution. You will have a wonderful story to tell us shortly!

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

[Bryan Cotton]

Made it

[Hambone]

Yep. Made it this far! 7+ hours over three legs. Slept in a little pilot lounge at the grass strip in Pennsylvania so I could get an early start. Up at 4:40 and airborne at 6!

The AeroVee purred like a kitten (well, a slightly naughty and noisy kitten), and I managed to cruise at 8500’ on the first two legs. Only managed 6500’ on the third leg as it was much warmer (and bumpier, too!)

Anyway, I’m now at Bryan’s house, and am most appreciative of his amazing hospitality as well as the Sonex shared knowledge.

What a great community!

[karmarepair]

What's the path from Illinois to Grass Valley? Follow I-80? Maybe Susanville/Chester/Red Bluff, then South to KGOO for the last leg? Vice trying to jump over Tioga Pass? Do you have O2 or extra fuel?

[BRS]

You look right at home.

[WaiexB22]

Glad to see your progress. Keep it up!....and keep us updated

[Bryan Cotton]

Weather is not cooperating. To top that off, we did a compression check and the numbers were low. Borescoped the cylinder and found a couple burned exhaust valves. Adam is giving him a ride to pick up a uhaul. The seller did not want to do a compression test, and that was a danger sign.

[daleandee]

Weather is not cooperating. To top that off, we did a compression check and the numbers were low. Borescoped the cylinder and found a couple burned exhaust valves. Adam is giving him a ride to pick up a uhaul. The seller did not want to do a compression test, and that was a danger sign.

Better safe than sorry ... but I hate to hear it. I'm guessing that the engine has about 70 hours on it now. Did you notice any cracking between the valves? On my Aerovee I noticed the cracking at about 60 hours. I understand it's a common occurance with the big valve heads but it still made me uneasy when I discovered it.

Either way the airplane will get home and the repairs will get done. Soon enough all this will be a distant memory with some lessons learned.

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

PS: Flew into our EAA chapter meeting yesterday. It was hot & bumpy and the winds were quite blustrey. Here is a quick shot someone took of me departing:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipM ... ZPXzRTWlBR

[WaiexB22]

I hate to hear that, but glad to hear there is a plan to get it home and get it fixed.

I know nothing about the aerovee, but I hope its an easy fix and the plane is back up and flying soon.

[Bryan Cotton]

Did you notice any cracking between the valves?
Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel

Yep! I saw the crack, we may have gotten a picture.