Starting my rebuild

[Phil_Ruffin]

Here are photos of my new 618. Can't wait to get this thing going.

Although it's not pictured here the starter had to be rotated 90 degrees to keep from hitting the mast.

To do this I had to grind out a small area so it would fit. Has anyone else had this problem too. Seems to me the only way to make it work.

If you look closely you can see some of my art hanging on the wall.
Sorry, I'm Tooting my own horn. ;D

[CLS447]

Hey phil, you must have one of the last 618's ! Didn't they discontinue that unreliable piece of crap? LOL

Seriously though, when it came out ,I wanted one. I mean who didn't? Everyone wants more power. I think it sucks they dropped it. I hope it gives you 10,000 trouble -free hours of ass kicking fun!

Did you do some time with Steve M.? Keep on truckin!

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chris, I was getting ready to but a 582 when this engine came up on e-bay. I got it for half of the price of the 582. Although at the time I didn't know it had been discontinued. It was never used and still in the original box, it also came with the two carbs, and a starter.

Went do to see Steve last weekend to get some brake ideas for my gyro, didn't get a chance to fly. He had a small crowd down there waiting in line.
So I just took a few photos and hung out for an hour or 2.

[CLS447]

So do you think it would be possible to make a couple bucks with a 2 seater? You know, just enough money to keep the gas tank full.

Brake ideas? What kind of wheels are you using?

Plastic Azussa's or something else? My new Hegar wheels & brakes are simple & strong but I think about$500.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chris, Not sure what your asking in the first paragraph about making a couple of bucks with a 2 seater.

I have the plastic wheels. I really only need brakes to sit still, I won't be turning with them. I was going to put some drum type brakes on it but thought I could get by an eaiser way.

I am putting a bicycle tire on the front because I don't like the looks of the small tire thats on it now. I thought since the brakes are to just hold me still I would put a bicycle tire type brake on it.

Do you think this would work?

[Udi]

Phil,
What kind of Air Command do you have? Are you upgrading it to CLT? I am finishing my conversion soon. Obviously, I spent more money on it than I intended to but I will have a nice machine.
Udi-

[CLS447]

Phil,
What I meant was, do you think Steve is making any money at training (having fun)?

Don't you like the stock AC brakes with the thin stainless steel rotors? I have an extra set of those, I might sell cheap if you are interested.

Udi, how about a picture of you with your gyrocopter?
That goes for everyone, it sure is nice to put a face with a name.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Hey Chris, I might be interested in those brakes. How much ya gonna let me steal them from you. Key word in that sentence is STEAL. One of the reasons I was putting on the bike brake is money is tight right now.

Steve seems to keep busy as long as the weather holds out for him.
I know he is looking forward to going full time teaching, and a mighty fine teacher he is. He is just riding out his sentence as the elf factory right now. I hope the money really comes in for him, he's a fine fella...

Udi, I am attaching some before and after photos of my gyro. I put the CLT kit on it after Bensen Days last year and had it ready to fly for ROC, but then my grandson wanted to come into world early so I didn't get to attend. Didn't want to miss his birth, Priorities you know.

For instruments I have CHTs, EGTs, Airspeed, Altitude, Rotor rpm, Motor rpm.

This first photo is before I started the upgrade.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Here is the dash as it is now, before it's all over this will probably be redesigned also. I still have to tuck away the wires and add the trim pc. to the sides.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Here's a shot from the back.

[Phil_Ruffin]

And a side shot

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chris, here's an extra photo for you. On a business trip to Arizona, when we were finished, a couple of my working buds and I rented some Harleys and went to the Grand Canyon camping for a few days before we flew home. Man it was Great......

[CLS447]

Now that's a business trip!!!!!!!!

Man the gyro looks great! That should really cook with a 618.
I agree the front wheel looks too small. They should come up with a nice replacement. Brakes up front might be interesting.
The brakes I have are the same ones I have on my 447. They don't hold you back for long. I accidentally got an extra set & kept them for spare parts. Let me check to see if I have everything today. Should be: Master cylinder w/ pedal, 2 rotors, 2 calipers, 2 wheel adapters ,& hardware. Let me check & we will talk!

[Phil_Ruffin]

Just came in from the shop. I got the new motor mounted and the redrive installed tonight. Now I looking for a radiator, and trying to figure out how I am going to mount the exhaust.

Chuck Irby, don't you have a 618 on your gyro. If you do could you post a photo of your exhaust mounting setup.

If any one has a 618 I would appreciate a photo.

Thanks, Phil

[Chuck Irby]

Phil, Yes I do have a 618 and I will get you a photo a s a I get back to the airport. It's raining here today and probably tomorrow too. I'll get it no later than Monday though.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chuck, what and where did you get your radiator. Did you get one from a junk yard or buy one new? Doug at Air Command said he would send me one for a hundred bucks plus shipping but I think I can get one that would work from a salvage yard. Just not sure about the size.

[GyroRon]

Thats what you get, Chuck, for braggin about that good weather you guys always get!

[Chuck Irby]

I suppose you're right Ron,

However, I just tell it like it is. We have had some really good flying weather lately though, so it's okay if we get a little rain. It's supposed to be up to 70 Monday and no rain.

Phil, I got a radiator from a junk yard out of a VW. I think it was a Rabbit and I believe it was 50 bucks. It already had some smooth holes in it that I tapped to 1/4 standard threads for mounting purposes. Let me know what all you want pictures of. I just happened to have a pic of the rad.

[Chuck Irby]

Phil,

Rather than tie up more space here on the forum, I am sending the photos of the 618 muffler mounts to you via email. Let me know if this is not adequate.

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chuck, Good deal. I got your email. No big hurry, sorry your having trouble with getting attachments to work. Phil

[Chuck Irby]

Phil, My email still won't let me attach a pic, so I'll try it here. If it works, I'll send another one.

[Chuck Irby]

Phil, let me know if you need anything else.

[Chuck Irby]

Hey Phil,

Just wondering how your conversion project is coming along. Are you about done with it or have I missed some posts?

[Phil_Ruffin]

No Chuck you haven't missed any posts. Haven't done much the gyro lately, been working a lot. I am planning on going to a junk yard in a few minutes and looking for a radiator. I am also going to try to replace my front wheel with a bigger one today.

Since I can't make it to Bensen Days I slowed down some. But Ron is talking about Turkey Creek or Goose Creek or something like, I may be able to make that one so now I am trying to pick up the pace again.

[GyroRon]

No turkeys at the Creek! We do have some Geese though so watch out for them. Hope to see you there.

the dates are 27th and 28th of THIS month

[Phil_Ruffin]

Just got back from visiting the junk yards, the second one I went to had what I needed for a radiator. He closed at 2 and it was aready 1:50 when I got there. So I will go back next Saturday and get it.

I'm going to have to rush to get it finished in time for the fly-in.

Ron, if someone we both know shows up there may be one turkey present! :o ;D

[GyroRon]

I hope Mr Screw Driver comes up to see me! Even better if he brings his gyro

[Phil_Ruffin]

Got a radiator today, saw one just like Chuck's but it was beat up pretty bad. The one I got came out of a VW rabbit also, all it needs is cleaning up and some paint and it will look like new. The only difference is this one is about an inch shorter and lighter and has a fill cap on it. When it's mounted the cap will be on the bottom. Is this going to be a problem?

I thought if I ever needed to drain it this would make it real easy.

[Chuck Irby]

Phil,

As long as it doesn't leak, it shouldn't make a bit of difference. Where will your vent be?

[GyroRon]

My gut feeling is it will be a bad idea to have the radiator mounted with the cap upside down. I see leaks happening. Matter of fact I don't see how it couldn't leak.

[Chuck Irby]

Phil,

After rethinking this, I'm of the opinion that you would be better off if it didn't even have a cap, like mine. However, maybe, if you're stuck with it, you could take it to your local radiator shop and see if they can fix it to where it will never leak at the cap. You can always drain it.

If you need some ideas on using a rad w/o a cap, let me know and I'll send you some pics.

[Phil_Ruffin]

The cap on it is not a standard type cap. It's not one of those caps that has a pressure release notch on it. It's a screw on cap with a heavy rubber washer in it. I will take a photo soon and post it.

But if you don't think it will work I am sure I can take it back and swap it for the other one. There just wasn't much to pick from that wasn't beat up looking.

[Russell]

Wow Chuck those pics bring back some memories!!!!!! ;D

[GyroRon]

Russ is that your old machine?

[GyroRon]

Phil take a pic so we know what your talking about. From the sounds of it, it may be okay.

[Chuck Irby]

Hey Russ, does it remind you of your old green one? She sure flies well.

[Russell]

I would know that exhaust mount any where !!!!

[Chuck Irby]

Yeah, I guess that would be a dead givaway alright.
When are you going to be flying your new one Russ?

[Phil_Ruffin]

Chuck, Ron, I took back the radiator that I had and swaped it for one that is like Chuck's. It has no dents and only trace amounts of rust on it. A little sanding and some paint and it will be like new.

I am new to the engine that needs water so if anyone has some photos of how they mounted their radiator and the plumbing set up I would that you so kindly. Thanks, Phil

[Chuck Irby]

Phil. does the new rad have plastic ends like mine? If so . . . Never mind, I'll get the pics for you tomorrow. No problem.