whizzers

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Everything posted by whizzers



  1. whizzers added a post in a topic How to rebuild a Bing 54 Carb   

    While you're in there, check the enrichener seats. I found one worn clear through, and another missing completely, on two different sets of "new" carburetors. If they are leaking, you won't get decent idle, and it screws up the other settings as well.
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  2. whizzers added a topic in Technical tasks   

    Avid Speedwing Tailplane
    I have an Avid Speedwing. In order to keep the plane flying level, I have to use a lot of uptrim. This has apparently been a problem since day one, as the original builder had a length of PVC pipe with a big lead slug travelling inside it that could be moved front to back by means of a rope and pulley system.
    The weights and balances are where they should be. The ailerons don't help.
    My solution would be to lower the leading edge of the horiz stab, but to do so I would have to notch the leading edge to clear the diagonals in the fuselage rear. I have a spare horiz stab to play with, so I can do that. I can also make it adjustable within limits. I know I will also have to fabricate new "V" struts.
    If I were building, I would modify the fuselage rear to incorporate a jack screw mechanism to raise and lower the leading edge, but right now , I don't want to be cutting and welding on the fuselage. Such a mechanism is used on early Pipers, and my brother's kitfox has a similar arrangement.
    Any body have a better idea?
    Bob McCaa
     
    A
     
     
    • 2 replies
    • 1,369 views


  3. whizzers added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Carburetor issue.
    I have bought several engines from a reputable rebuilder, and for the most part am well satisfied. However: One of the engines I installed on my Avid/Kitfox Frankenplane had idle issues from day one. Lots of power and ran well, but I couldn't get it to idle smoothly below about 3000 rpm, and although I had the idle stop screws all the way in, I still had to add throttle to keep it from shaking the front off the plane.
    So today I decided to make a project out of the mess. So I tore the carbs off and disassembled both. Checked the jets and needles and set everything according to the manual. In the process of re-assembling the carbs to the engine I looked at the enricheners, which were still on the plane. I don't know why, since I don't use them, but I had to disconnect them to get the carbs out.. AHA ! The rubber bottom on one was worn clean through and the other was missing completely. Now I had a complete "new" engine still in the crate at home, so a thunder-run home to steal the enricheners. NO GOOD ! The enricheners on that engine were in exactly the same condition, shot !  Fortunately my ample junk box yielded a pair of manual enricheners in new condition, so in they went.
    The engine now idles at about 2200 rpm, and I had to re-set my jet-needles. Also in the process I found the carb boots to be bell-mouthed. In fact it shook the carbs off the engine twice, and no way could I get them tight enough. Fortunately I had a new set.
    Point is, the guy does a marvelous job of rebuilding the engines, but the quality control on the accessories is somewhat lacking. In fact I got one set of carbs that had different jets in one. A few minutes checking might save you a lot of headache.. If I hadn't accidentally checked those enricheners or if I had just thrown the "new" carbs in complete, I'd still be scratching.
    Too soon old and too late smart
    Bob McCaa
     
     
    • 3 replies
    • 528 views


  4. whizzers added a post in a topic WTB Avid MK 4 Tail Feathers   

    Brad: Call me at 717 363 75five two
    Bob McCaa
    Lewistown PA.
     
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  5. whizzers added a post in a topic Wanted ,Rotary valve oil reservoir   

    I have a couple if you still need one.
     
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  6. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    KF parts for sale.
    I'm trying to clean the hangar. I have come to the realization that "some day" isn't gonna happen so:
     
     
    One fairing for KF belly radiator, Unused.
    Make me a reasonable offer, any or all; you pay shipping from 17044.
    Bob McCaa 717 3six3 seven 552
    Bob McCaa 717 363 7 
     
     
     
     
     


    • 11 replies
    • 1,277 views


  7. whizzers added a post in a topic KF parts for sale.   

    Fair enough. I'll get a shipping quote in the morning. I take it you're in Omaha?
     
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  8. whizzers added a post in a topic KF parts for sale.   

    Make me an offer. I'll get a shipping quote MOnday
     
     
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  9. whizzers added a post in a topic Wanted - 503 exhaust/muffler assembly   

    There are a number of versions of this exhaust, best option is to get hold of a LEAF catalog or similar and get apart number or drawing and try again. If you know what you are looking for, sometimes EBAY. Search ROTAX exhaust. They are not specific to the 503. 447 503 532 and 582 will fit if the version is correct. Depends to a large extent on the airplane.
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  10. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Kitfox parts on Barnstormers
    Just saw this :https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1566723-KITFOX-III-PARTS.html
    • 0 replies
    • 649 views


  11. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Kitfox on EBAY
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Kitfox-1-tail-dragger-STOL-Rotax-582-2-seat-airplane/153853838977?hash=item23d2674681:g:v7kAAOSwhzZeYBQX
    • 0 replies
    • 1,134 views


  12. whizzers added a topic in Close Call's and dumb stunts   

    Near miss with fuel line.
    I have three Avids, all with Rotax 582s. I have been using the blue flexible tubing sold for fuel line. I went out to fly today, and I don't know why I did it, but as part of the pre-flight I took the cowlings off. I do not normally do that every time, but today I did. Anyhow, in the process of checking the engine over, I noticed a place on the one fuel line between the fuel pump and the carburetor that  appeared to be chafed. When I lifted it to inspect it more closely, the line broke off at the fuel pump. When I flexed it further, it broke off at the carb end. The second line did the same thing. Both lines appeared to have become embrittled where they fit over the brass barb fitting. The ends of the tubing had lost all flexibility, and in fact shattered when disturbed. The remainder of the line remained flexible. I promptly replaced all plastic lines with reinforced automotive tubing. I will do so on the other two planes as well.
    With the position of the leaks being on the downstream side of the fuel pump, I could well have had an in- flight fire. Not a pleasant proposition.
     
    • 19 replies
    • 3,272 views


  13. whizzers added a post in a topic Just listed   

     
    Sorry, Says MK II in the ad, MK 4 in the text
     
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  14. whizzers added a post in a topic Avid Tail Wheel Spring   

    OK I'll give him a call. Hopefully he still has the dimensions.
    Thanks much
     
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  15. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Avid Tail Wheel Spring
    Time for the winter stand-down and overhaul. What are we doing about new tail wheel springs? Not the steering springs, the Mounting Spring
    Bob McCaa
    N5113H Speedwing
    N532SE Heavy Hauler wing
    N533SE  C Model but has a Kitfox front end on it.
    • 3 replies
    • 801 views


  16. whizzers added a post in a topic Wanted! Sling Seat   

    I 
     
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  17. whizzers added a post in a topic Wanted! Sling Seat   

    Got one thanks
     
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  18. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Wanted! Sling Seat
    Got one, thanks
     
    • 4 replies
    • 492 views


  19. whizzers added a post in a topic WTB: Avid or Kitfox Horizontal Stabilizer/Elevator & Stock Gear   

    Avid gear axle is 1 7/8 ahead of the top forward gear mount. Changing this will not affect the C.G. as that is a flight function. (The weight will change, but so will the arm) The CG will remain the same. What may change is the point/speed at which the tail comes up on take off, or comes down on wheel landings.  A further aft axle means the tail comes up sooner. (More weight on the mains, less on the tail). I have been building "tall" cabane style main gear for the Avids for several years and have the dimensions down pretty good.
    Stabs are the same except that the front mounting tab on the earlier Avids is off- center because of the rudder offset. Avid changed that when guys started putting Right-turning engines on. I ran into that when I tried to put a "B" model tail on a "C" model fuselage.
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  20. whizzers added a post in a topic WTB: Avid or Kitfox Horizontal Stabilizer/Elevator & Stock Gear   

    I have had a number of Avids and Kitfox parts. Used some to build a "FRankenplane" Something to consider.
    1. The Kitfox Horiz stab I had was about 1 1/2" shorter front to back than the Avid equivalent You would have to make mounting brackets. Spanwise they were equal. Also, you would have to make "V" struts, as neither model would line up.
    2. On the earlier Avids, the Leading edge of the Vertical Stab is offset to the right about a  inch. This puts the front mounting tab on the Horiz stab about an inch to the right of center, so to use an "A" or  "B" model stab on a "C" or later fuse, you have to move the front mounting tab or the stab will be skewed.
    3. Using a Kitfox Horiz stab with an Avid Elevator or vice-versa would be problematic. You would have to move hinges on something.
       Same with rudders
    4. The whole gear assembly was compatible, but you can't use half of one and half of the other together. The top crossmember of the Avid gear where the bungees go  was about an inch longer than the Kitfox gear.
    5. Doors don't fit, neither does the turtle deck. Kitfox round cowl will fit an Avid if you use KF engine mounts and turn the engine upright. You have to do some welding.  Bad idea! Looks neat but the forward visibility on the ground sucks. Hard to land.
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  21. whizzers added a post in a topic Kitfox on barnstormers   

    Gone!...No Surprise there!
     
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  22. whizzers added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    WTB Aluminum tubing Spar Material
    Want to extend a speedwing. I need:
    1. Four pieces of 2 1/2" .083 wall Aluminum tubing 36" long each
    2, Four pieces of 2 1/2" .083 wall Aluminum tubing 18" long each
    I can find tubing in .062 and .125 but nobody seems to have the .083
    If you don't have all do you have any?
    Bob McCaa 
    717 363 seven five five two
    • 2 replies
    • 489 views


  23. whizzers added a post in a topic WTB - Kitfox Instrument Panel Fuel Tank   

    Fou7nd the tank. Early Kitfox. $25 plus shipping whizzers@verizon.net
     
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  24. whizzers added a post in a topic WTB - Kitfox Instrument Panel Fuel Tank   

    I believe I have one at the airport. I'll have a look later today
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  25. whizzers added a post in a topic Hangar Cleanout   

      Bob McCaa
    April 28, 2018 Speedwing Avid Flyer Project$2,500Lewistown, PAThis is an assemblage of parts I collected while rebuilding several Avids. There is enough good stuff here to make up a speedwing Avid if you want to. It needs a good cleaning and inspection and some minor repairs, but nothing major. Fuselage, wings, ailerons, landing gear, doors, controls, engine mount empennage
    Central PA 717 363 seven five five two
    whizzers@verizon.net
      
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