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View Full Version : SxS Prelim flying report and project update


barnstorm2
08-06-2004, 06:35 AM
I have sent back my custom Tech Welding filler tube for the addition of a nipple for the rabbit heat exchanger and am awaiting its return. I would like to say Tech Welding is GREAT to work with and the quality is outstanding.

I have found the exact source of my oil leak.

BIG thanks to Helicopter Ed (Ed Alderfer) for giving me the idea for diagnostics.

My Soob EJ-22 was leaking oil but since it was a light spray that would not leak while on the ground I was having a tough time tracking it down.

Ed suggested I use attached paper towels to find the leak and that is what I did. Using duct tape ( AN rated duct tape of course ;) ) and shop towel style paper towels I made little 'gyro maxi pads' that I secured around the suspect places on the front of my engine. This allowed me to find the leak and make sure that one leak did not soil the towel adjacent to it.

I flew the pattern and when I got back removed the 'pads and sure enough I found the exact spot of the leak: The pressure connection horn on the oil pump ( thanks to the air soob group for IDing the part ). I am now researching the fix.

I have now started flying the pattern without my co-pilot 'old salt' that I have been using to simulate the weight of a passenger.

The difference in flight model is significant.

It climbs out like MAD. It has 1100 foot per min climb rate with my airspeed anywhere between 55-80 mph. (5000 rpm)

After leaving ground effect there is little adjustment needed for lack of a passenger.

I also get WAY more glide time on engine-idle approach on final.

I have been trying some higher speeds and she seems happy at 80mph but the darn windshield bends down at me.

After the oil leak is fixed and I am willing to leave the pattern with her I will get you guys some specific data on temp, conditions, RPM and all the performance stuff.

I am also hoping for a zero wind day so I can calibrate my Airspeed indicator against my GPS.

Chuck Irby
08-06-2004, 07:04 AM
Wow, that's great Tim! She sounds like quite a machine. Keep us posted.

rfonseca
08-06-2004, 07:11 AM
Good news for all of us that are thinking in a SxS when we graduate from a single seat. Please keep the reports coming. Thanks !

ben
08-06-2004, 07:18 AM
go tim go sound good

barnstorm2
08-06-2004, 09:20 AM
Thanks guys!

Here is a picture of the filler tube.

I had a %^&^&$% of a time getting the air out of my cooling system and she would overheat easy.

The fix ( thanks to advice from my friendly neighborhood PRA chapter ) was to rase the filler/expantion chamber up 6in above the engine and create an "L" junction to allow better flow of the coolent.

I did this by blocking off the out port of the filler/exp chamber and using extra coolant hoses, hoseclams and a brass T from ACE Hardware and Avation Supply.

Tech Welding of KY made me a new capped filler tube to replace this contraption I made. They made up the base and sent it to me to check alignment. I marked where the hoses should come in and notes on changes I want and set it back today. The parts and welds on the custom alum. filler tube are TOP NOTCH.

CLS447
06-06-2008, 02:14 AM
I will be getting my filler tube from those guys !

The extra hose was for what ?

barnstorm2
06-06-2008, 03:55 AM
I will be getting my filler tube from those guys !

The extra hose was for what ?

Wow! you dug up an old thread!

Let me blow the dust off of it <whooh> ;)

I don't remember where that extra hose went. I think it went to a port on the engine to help get the thermostat warmed up but I don't recall.

The new metal version did not have it.