Activity Stream

Activity Stream



  1. SuberAvid added a post in a topic fuel shutoffs   



    Ed, I looked up the fuel pumps I have; I had one from the parts parts box I got with the first engine before I rebuilt it and I bought a second new one from Leading Edge Airfoils. The LEA part number is a Facet electric fuel pump part number H7278. I am not sure if it is the actual Facet number but I think it is. As far as not working if they sit for a period of time; the one in the parts box had been used and sat for about 8 years before I started using it again and it works fine. They both put out a little under 4 PSI and about 5 PSI if I turn them both on at the same time. I plumbed them in parallel since they have the built in check valve but just run them one at a time; it works fine with the Bing carbs I am running.


    Do the small holes in the back of the vent tubes work? I just know they haven't hurt and if they keep some of the rain out of the tanks they are a no cost benefit.
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  2. SuberAvid added a post in a topic One of my boys and my C build.   



    Ed,
    The Stratus manual specified 300 hour replacement time for the redrive belt is probably very conservative. Mine shows absolutely no indication of wear or aging at 150+ hours but they are relatively cheap at around $75 so not too big a deal to replace. I think 500 hours is probably not out of the question if you want to go there. I read of a Sratus redrive that had a belt failure when they used to run two narrower belts on the redrive rather than a single wide one. The failure took out both belts but the owner admitted that he had over 1000 hours and a lot of years on the belts. If I remember correctly they had never been changed out. The belt I have on mine is a Jacobs.

    There are probably other good redrive manufacturers; I don't know of their track records but a lot of gyros run EA81's so you can probably vett them out. All I know is the Stratus drives are very well designed. I didn't understand the importance of the additional crank end bearing to prevent side load on the crank (to prevent crank breaking) and the cams on the prop shaft to allow you to align the pulley so the belt tracks in the center.

    I have a very pretty looking redrive for sale a lot less than I have in it if anyone wants to work with it. A person probably could get the tracking figured out with shims if you worked at it. I think it is an RFI but not sure.



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  3. SuberAvid added a post in a topic One of my boys and my C build.   



    I agree, there has to be a reason for that. We are not the first ones to think of using the VW's in the avids; they were trying them in the old Avid news letters I have read. For some reason they have just not worked out well on these planes and it seems like it must be difficult to get them to cool well at the slow speeds and they possibly don't provide the power to weight and reliability that you would expect. I am probably not the best one to discuss experimenting in the purest form; I like to use something that is pretty well proven if possible and prefer to learn from others when I can. I like to fly, and have a hard time breathing plus I sweat a lot when my engine doesn't run.
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  4. SuberAvid added a post in a topic radiator   

    I looked at a lot of heater cores and AC condensors when I was trying to figure out a cheaper way to go with in cowl radiators. I could never find one that had 3/4 inlets and outlets and the fin size was quite a bit different than used in the radiators. In the end I didn't think they would be quite enough for the EA81. Maybe for a 582 you could run 2 heater cores in parallel and stack them one behind the other if you could figure out how to fit them in the cheek. I ended up paying the bucks and bought a dual set of custom aluminum radiators that RAM had built; right around $695 after I had them weld on mounting tabs in the locations I wanted and shipping. So far they have worked well so I guess that is what counts after the pain wears off.
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  5. EDMO added a post in a topic Situational Awarness   

    When are you going to post the photos you took of Princess Kate?
    ED
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  6. EDMO added a post in a topic radiator   

    Part of the cooling equation is thickness and fin density - dont think most heater cores compare with rads. Watch your temp gage.
    My books say you dont need the one inch or larger auto hoses - AN fittings or about 3/4 inch are enough.
    ED in MO
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  7. EDMO added a post in a topic O-100 engine on Ebay   

    Yes, I got fooled - thought I had found a light 4 cycle. We live and learn.......
    ED in MO
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  8. C5Engineer added a post in a topic O-100 engine on Ebay   

    Dinked around with a Benson Gyro from the 70's that had one quite a while back. It's ancient technology. You wouldn't catch me flying behind one. Pretty sure you would be on your own for parts. I remember the carb being pretty funky on that thing.
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  9. lakertreetopflyer added a post in a topic radiator   


    I got the heater core from oriellys tonight.Size wise it is 1/2 smaller in width and height than what was in there.But......the ones that came in the plane have 1 inch in and outlets. The new one has 5/8 or 3/4. I think it should be alright for this time of year,but may have to watch temps come summer.Best part is this is only 35 bucks!!!

    Brian in MO
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  10. EDMO added a topic in Rotax and other engines   

    O-100 engine on Ebay
    Just spotted a McCulloch (sp?) 0-100 4 cyl, TWO cycle, air-cooled, drone engine on ebay for $600.
    I know these were put in some ultralights.
    Seller says 70 pounds, 72 hp - no info on what rpm it runs, or if parts are available.
    Anyone know anything about this engine? Looks like it could be a good match for a light Avid or Kitfox?
    ED in MO

    edit: Sure got this wrong - its a 2-stroke, and no redrive. corrected above where I thought it was 4 cycle.
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  11. EDMO added a post in a topic One of my boys and my C build.   

    If I was 50 or more years younger, I would really be looking for developments in the Electric motors and batteries for the plane - Well, if I was that young, I would probably be looking at some plastic bird too.......not something built like a 1930's Taylor/Piper.
    What's wrong with an antique "airplane engine" to go with the antique tube & fabric? They are lighter than a Corvair or Soob, VW with redrives.
    And now you can get modern electronic ignition that is more dependable than the old mags.
    ED in MO
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  12. EDMO added a post in a topic Sandblast, wire brush, or soda blast ????   

    As soon as the welding is finished on mine, it will go for "light sandblasting", and within 24 hours be sprayed with self-etching primer followed by 2-part epoxy finish coat. I could do this myself, but it is a bitch to do at home.
    The aluminum elevator tube should not be sandblasted. And, never use aluminum-oxide to blast aluminum, but it is OK on steel, but more expensive than using the Play Sand from Lowes with the rocks screened out of it. You can save money by putting a cheap tarp on the ground and recylcling the sand. a little hand-sanding is OK too - I would not use the wire wheel.
    ED in MO
    P.S. You are homebuilding - Dont think there are FAA standards for anything you do - But good to go by AC43-13 standards, and AN hardware. The FAA didnt certify "kitchen pots" for firewall parts, but the stainless ones work, and are "airworthy", and that is all you are concerned about. (airworthy and SAFE)!!!!
    ONE LAST COMMENT: SODA-BLASTING is usually done with water - That is good for aluminum - BUT WATER MAKES STEEL RUST !!!!!!!
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  13. EDMO added a post in a topic "The Raven" a kitfox avid clone!!!!!   

    I sent you a private message on here.
    ED in Missouri

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  14. Tree top pilot added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Sandblast, wire brush, or soda blast ????
    My fuselage has some light flash rust on a lot of tubes from handling and sitting for almost a year. Question is that the local guys know nothing of FAA standpoints on soda blasting. I would tend to think that sand blasting would create gazilions of places for a stress riser. But I have seen other planes sand blasted and are in the air. Or would you get down to Lowes
    and get a few wire cup brushes for the right angle grinder? I know this would be docter death if it got away from you....but may be the easiest and fastest way round. What do you guys think?
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  15. EDMO added a post in a topic AVID WINGTIPS FOR SALE   

    Always good to hear that maybe I have helped a builder getting his bird finished.
    Good Building,
    ED in MO
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  16. EDMO added a post in a topic GOOD SETUP FOR MC-4 TABS?   

    wE ARE ALL GUILTY of sometimes not making ourselves or our problems or intentions understood. I am probably one of the worst at that. As the wife says, "Sometimes a good kick in the ass starts the brain working"! I need one often.........
    ED in MO
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  17. C150L added a post in a topic Hysol 9460 source   


    When I first looked at Sky Geek, I thought it said it would ship in 2-3 days. I had the oder ready but thewn went back to he item page and it was showing such that it would ship Nov 19. I emails them but have not heard back yet. Mean while, I emailed RS Hughes, they said they had in stock and it would arrive by Friday this week. I did the order so we'll see. I do expect this order will be OK.
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  18. akflyer added a post in a topic GOOD SETUP FOR MC-4 TABS?   



    ahhh, I got ya now! I was thinking you had the MC1 or MC 4 masters that had the threaded ends and that you were just over thinking it I am guilty of that sometimes. Tend to overlook the obvious for a better, more complicated time consuming pain in the ass way of doing something.... then kick myself in the ass for not seeing the obvious to begin with!

    I tell my employes all the time that if you want to know the easiest way to get the job done, ask the laziest man on the crew



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  19. EDMO added a post in a topic "The Raven" a kitfox avid clone!!!!!   



    Ed,

    Do you still have this stuff (Raven & KF1) for sale? I would be interested in buying it from you. Please contact me at your convenience.
    JJ
    jpratt1099@msn.com or (208) six8one-fiftyone fiftyone

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  20. EDMO added a post in a topic "The Raven" a kitfox avid clone!!!!!   


    I still have it - and I have a DVD now that is supposed to give the plans, but dont know if the dvd plans are Avid or Kitfox clone - I havent looked at it.
    Really hope you are close enough to help me scrounge for all the parts - I think I have enough for 2 1/2 planes, but am building one.
    Will work with you on this, and we can correspond thru personal message system on here. I am not good at puters, and dont think I have email currently. I also have the builders manual for the Kitfox One, and can copy it for you, or include it with kit.
    ED in MO
    P.S. Wife would be happy if I get rid of some stuff too!

    Ed,

    Do you still have this stuff (Raven & KF1) for sale? I would be interested in buying it from you. Please contact me at your convenience.
    JJ
    jpratt1099@msn.com or (208) six8one-fiftyone fiftyone

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  21. Jpratt15 added a post in a topic "The Raven" a kitfox avid clone!!!!!   

    It just so happens that I am the owner of a partially welded, partially tacked, 98% complete fuselage which was supposed to have been made from the Raven prints. It looks to me like the Kitfox One, but would have to match up the doors to see if it a one or two.
    I have about 90% of the parts, tailfeathers, controls, interior, doors, landing gear (no wheels), tailwheel, , gas tank, cowling, etc, and it is for sale cheap at $3K for everything I can supply with it. You can't buy the material and parts for that price. I also have fixtures for building wing ribs, but no wings - and one flaperon that needs riveting at one end. You can also take along the tail end (cabin back) of my KF1 with the larger modified tail.
    You need to move the battery back nearly to the tail for balance with the EA81.
    I am 70 and in process of building another version of my own design. I will never get to building another one.
    I wish someone could come and pick it up, as the thought of building a box, packing parts, and high priced freight just don't get me too excited. I am located 25 miles south of St. Louis, just off of I-55.
    PS. I don't have the plans and never saw them. I just bought it and took the man's word for what it was.
    I had a wrecked KF One before buying this one, and it had a subaru in it. My builder is getting a soob EA81 also.
    Ed in MO I also have the KF1 Builders manual which I will include.

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  22. billpoore added a post in a topic AVID WINGTIPS FOR SALE   

    Hi Ed, Installed the first wingtip, The RH one. It was so easy, all the work was already done. It is much stronger than the bow tip and better looking. I will cover over the light holders with fabric and install thelm later. I will find out what wiris to install and run wires now before I cover the wing. Thank you.
    Bill
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  23. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic One of my boys and my C build.   

    Great Plains makes VWs with redrives, and has for many years.

    But, again I will point out the 800 pound gorilla - Avid and later Kitfox have been around for nearly 30 years, with thousands of flying aircraft. Redrive VWs have been around at least that long too. If they worked on these planes, there would be at least some of them flying. There are, in fact, virtually zero flying.
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  24. EDMO added a post in a topic One of my boys and my C build.   

    Randy,
    Dave Johnson who made the "Reductions" conversions told me that the belt would go 500 hours, and one guy had over 500 on his with almost no wear. Main thing to look for is cracks in the outer cover. He didnt use Gates. I have the name of the maker.
    I dont even look at Eggenfeldner - but that is my bias. Ram or RFI and some other are better sources IMO. (and cheaper than Stratus). Dave died, and there is no Reductions company now.
    There is a company that makes VW with Redrives - it was in SA or Kitplanes a while back.
    ED in MO
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  25. EDMO added a post in a topic radiator   

    Let me know how you come out - I have OReilly and a Rad shop real close to me. I think I have some figures on rad cooling area that might help sometime. Right now I have a belly-mount VW Rabbit rad that did well on a Pelican with a cooling tunnel built into the cowling - but always have the thought of Cheek rads on my mind.
    ED in MO
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