LW-4 continued

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Well, I finally got word today that my engine is almost complete and ready to ship. Steve @ Great Plains is going this weekend to pick up my secondary ignition and then the engine will be ready for test running.

Steve says the engine will be ready to ship by the end of the month.

For those of you not keeping score, the engine I'm waiting on is the Great Plains 2180cc liquid cooled VW with a 2:1 redrive. Rated at 120hp @ 4200 RPM and 100hp continiuos at 3400 RPM.

With the 2:1 redrive, I'm gonna use the largest prop that will fit.

I also found out that I may not need a header tank at all. I will be using 2 facet electric fuel pumps in series, and will probably use a 14-16 gal belly tank only. That would be so nice, not to have to use a header tank.

Like a J-3 cub, I'll have the jugs sticking out the cowl. Because she is liquid cooled, I'll have to figure out how to mount 2 6x9 radiators, and 1 6x8 oil cooler. I'm sure I'll have to fabricate some kind of scoops.

That's all for now. I just can't wait to get it and start putting her together.

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[MattPearson]

How long is the estimated wait for the engine? Seems like you mentioned purchasing it quuite a while a go.

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I purchased the engine in December. The Secondary ignition is an option I chose, and delivery has been slow on that end. Great plains has had the engine ready for the assessories since December. Now, we have been waiting for the weather to improve for test running. Another option I chose that needs to be done in 50 degree or better weather.

I'm having the engine sent to Ron Herron to verify the safest length prop I can use. If possible, I'll go with an 84 inch wood prop. If not, maybe an 82, or 80.

According to the Great Plains (The Engine Builder), and Culver Props (The Maker of the Re-Drive and Props), the above mentioned lengths will give me the desired Thrust using the 2:1 gear ratio. Between 550-600 lbs of thrust. Culver has assured me, that if I didn't get these numbers or better, he'd re-pitch or replace the prop. With a guarentee like that, I'll give it a try.

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I've been told that the engine will be using a 40mm Bing carb. Anybody know anything about these carbs. I was also told that it was self adjusting. Steve @ Great Plains recommended I get an air cleaner for it. Anybody know where I can get an air cleaner?

Thanks in advance.

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[Brent_Brown]

Should be the same as the 912 carb

[scottessex]

John, wait untill you see how much space you have around it once the engine is mounted, then you can get a good K&N filter to fit.

[GyroRon]

I STRONGLY suggest asking the guys building your engine to not use the bing carb. Go to Sonexltd.com web site and lok for the " aerocarb" and use that one instead. Those Bings carbs are too small for such a large engine and they are very hard to get jetted properly. The Jabiru engines use this same Bing carb and most jabiru owners have already gone to the aerocarb to "fix" the problems caused by the bing.

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Thanks all, I'll look into it.

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[mcbirdman]

Hi John, How about an update on your engine? Ron has it now? Does he like what he sees? Just wondering about it. We aren't in any rush to hurry and buy that engine yet as there is plenty of other stuff to do instead of tying up that much money yet. I know Matt P. is also interested. Did you see that it is only holding 3-4 qts of water? Even if that is per side.... that seems like a small amount.
Just figured you have something more to elaborate on...since its been a few weeks...

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Nothing yet. I think I'm the guinnie Pig. Steve @ Great plains is still working with a third party on the secondary ignition. Still hasn't been test run. Still waiting.

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[Brent_Brown]

I hope you got a good deal to test his motor out for him. I find it hard that companies sell stuff they never test. I have seen PSRU, endless motors, and god knows all the Army stuff I got that never was used by anyone in the field and you cloud tell. Good luck.

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Well, The prop will be in about 30 days. The engine is being shipped to Ron Herron this week for fitting.

I just ordered from Ernie today the Head. A Double Bearing head for a two place with ring gear, rotor brake, and teeter limiters.

I'm so excited I could squeel like a pig! :D

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[Chris Burgess]

Hey Tractors. Please use all your aerodynamic braking before using the main wheel brakes. And Yes..... it can. "That's all I got to say about that". I think Ron's Littlewing is a terrific gyro. Would love to own one. I was proud to have this world record setting aircraft in our hangar.

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Ok, I'm squealing like a pig. I went to Scott's place the past weekend and finally got a look at my new head from Ernie. My god that sucker is big, tall, and heavy. It was so large that I questioned the size of the teeter bolt. It is, of course, the right size. Very happy with the head.

I've run into another delay with the engine though that I'm not so happy about, but what else can I do but wait. My engine has been test run and ran flawless according to Steve @ Great Plains, and the secondary ignition is working great too. The problem is with the belt tensioner for the re-drive had to be sent back to Culver because it wasn't working properly. Culver is aware of the problem and should have it fixed by tomarrow and sent back to Great Plains.

Steve @ Great Plains has gone to "Sun & Fun" and will not be back until the 24th of April, so I have to wait until they return for the re-fit of the belt tensioner, testing, and then finally shipping to Ron Herron I hope.

The saga continues.....

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