My "seized" 503
My "seized" 503
Hello everyone. For all of you who helped me try and figure out what was going on with my 503 missing or potentially seizing, here is the story.
I removed the engine from my gyro and after checking compression (OK), and checking exhaust and intake ports for damage (none), started disassembling the engine.
After removing the rotor from the front end I found that the three bolts that hold the lighting coil to its backing plate had backed out and were rubbing on the inside of the rotor.
I had replaced the lighting coil assembly just before the fly-in because the ac coils had shorted. I had taken the coil and mounting plate from a spare engine and mounted it with its two mounting screws. I did not check the three coil-to-mounting-plate screws because I assumed they were tight.
That made an ASS of me, but at least there was no costly engine damage. In fact I had three spare bolts, so there was no expense, except to my pride.
I still got to fly lots (just never left the safety of the airport), met lots of wonderful friends, and had a great time.
Thanks for all the troubleshooting advice, guys.
You are the best! I'll be back next year.
See you at Bensen Days!
Jim