Waiex-B 0022

[daleandee]

Thanks Bryan! I just always seems like it will "only take a few minutes for this part"...hours later I'm finally willing to accept the third rendition.

I just wanted to chime in and say that I went back over this thread and I'm in awe of the skills you have shown in working through this engine install. I thought putting on a Corvair was a bit of work but I had a lot of guidance from those that went before me.

As for schedule ... I'm currently in the middle of my condition inspection (so far, so good, nothing out of the ordinary found) and it seems to take me longer than most other folks. I do have to repair my wheel pants as they don't like the grass and tend to start cracking at the back of the opening. Fiberglass work is not my favorite! I also have an AV30E to install with the TailbeaconX but those items will likely be moved over to next month ...

Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel
"Myunn" is her name!

[WaiexB22]

Thanks Dale! It has been a challenge, but that's what I wanted and overall I am happy with how it's turning out.

[WaiexB22]

I took advantage of the weather and spent the past few weeks making a lower section for the cowl. I started by making a plug using the factory lower cowl, plywood, foam, and drywall mud. I covered the plug with packing tape then laid up the fiberglass. Before removing the fiberglass I drilled some cleco holes. I took the section off the plug, removed the plug from the factory lower cowl (I used hot glue to attach everything and it worked well this time of year). I did a rough trim and mounted it up.

I really don't like the way it looks...but I can't see it from the cockpit. It got really big due to the engines water pump. It hangs down low right at the front of the engine, and it isn't small. If I was going to build it again today I would push the engine back to reduce this, but we will see how I feel after I do my weight and balance.

I am going to fully duct the radiator from the lower inlet and I am confident it is going to provide adequate cooling airflow.

[WaiexB22]

It's way past time for an update. I took a new job last year that is requiring me to relocate to Pinehurst, NC. This has slowed my progress, but I am still working every chance I get. I am going from a 12x30 workshop to a 45'x35' shop. To say I am looking forward to my new workshop is an understatement.

Currently I have the engine and engine mount removed. I mounted the gear legs and I am about to install a freshly rebuilt engine.

The fuel system is complete minus one fuel line and one bulkhead that I have on order. The pumps are on my firewall. To eliminate any potential for spills on the windscreen during fueling, I elected to install a pressurized fill port on the side of the fuselage, below the windscreen. I will avoid leaded fuel and have a fuel tank in my truck bed. I plan to pump from the tank in my truck and into the plane via the fill port, which has a quick disconnect. I will post some photos here when I am completely finished with this. You can see my check valve and the attachment to the tank below. I elected not to install aux fuel at this time.
If I want it later I can tee into the fitting I have for the fill. The ECU and heater are also installed, I located them between the fuel tank and panel. The wiring harness for the engine is complete and in place.

My exhaust is complete and I ceramic coated it black to help with radiant heat and to match my engine. The new engine has a black valve cover and stator cover.

I have the propeller. It was made by Catto and it is beautiful. I can't wait to get it hung. Here is a photo of me and my daughter holding it right after I got it. Side note - she has been loving flying and working on the sonex. Fingers crossed, but we may have a 3rd generation pilot and builder on our hands.

I added a smoke system to the plane. I chose to locate the tank on the engine mount and there is a submersible pump in the tank. My engine is lighter than an aerovee and this keeps my baggage area free.

The panel is complete and I am working on the wiring harness currently. Once that is complete and the engine is remounted I should be ready to make real engine noises (instead of the ones I make when I sit in the cockpit).

I am going to install differential braking. I designed toe brakes and ordered the parts for them last week. I should have those installed soon too.

[Bryan Cotton]

That is awesome! Looking forward to the flight reports.

[WaiexB22]

Thanks Bryan! I'm looking forward to it as well. If life doesn't get in the way any more, which it probably will, I am hoping to be flying this summer.

[XenosN42]

I like how you mounted the master relay on the face of the battery box. I plan to steal this idea. My OneX FWF will be crowded enough as is.

[WaiexB22]

My starter contactor looks different, but it is right next to the master on the battery box as well. It fits nicely, keeps the wire runs short, and I think it will work well.