bcbushcaddy

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About bcbushcaddy

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    Advanced Member

Contact Methods

  • Website URL www.fly-bc.com
  • Skype bcflyboy

Profile Information

  • Gender Male
  • Location CAV3
  • Interests Aviation, Outdoors, Back Country, skiing & flying = ski-flying, flying & fishing = fly-fishing, building and restoring aircraft,

bcbushcaddy's Activity



  1. bcbushcaddy added a topic in Kitfox III   

    Yamaha Phazer Engine
    Hello everyone, 
    Well.., our BushCaddy (see some posts within this forum) has sold and we picked up a brand spanking new 35 year old time capsuled Kitfox 3 - 1050 kit and decided to go around the 2 stroke Rotax's this time and opt for a Yamaha Phazer conversion instead. Explored all avenues of finding a re-drive system and finally settled on the Skytrax when Teal decided to build another patch. We couldn't find a suitable C-drive otherwise maybe Ben K's adapter plate might have been an option. Also talked to Mohawk and given it some serious consideration. But as mentioned, just before we pulled the trigger, Teal came through with another batch being built. We should hopefully see it here in not too long. 
    There will be some Rotax 582 related items coming up for sale such as a complete (new - unused) firewall forward kit and the instrument panel as a whole, since everything will be updated to run the Yamaha. Info to follow, stay tuned. Anyone interested, feel free to express your interest and just to let everyone know we are located in central BC, Canada. We of course would also love to hear from anyone already undertaking this engine project on a Kitfox 2, 3, 4-1050 or similar. We had a Kitfox 2 in the past and looking forward to get this one into the air. 
    Cheers, Willy T. 
    • 3 replies
    • 393 views


  2. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Subaru EA81   

    Spring 2022 Update

    Well it's been a little while since I've posted in here and this is just a little update on our Subie. It's still attached to Nellie's airframe and as of a few days ago, moving it off the ice and back onto wheels we've put in 70+ hours. The engine in itself has performed flawlessly and run without a miss ever since installed. The Crux of the system going from automotive to aviation, despite it's original aviation design on the EA8, is with all the sub systems from belt drive, right up to carb heat. If you decide to build any automotive conversion yourself, remember that you can't just roll on over to the next Autozone and pick up, ..let's say an alternator mount for the new light weight 38amp unit. Or get a carb heat box for your Weber carb upgrade. Or maybe grab a new engine mount dampener off the shelf while you're there. No Sirreee, you will have to design, build and source way beyond what Tony Bingelis may have put in his book on engines and your version 1.01 might not quite cut it the first time around the patch. Back to the drafting board you go, only problem being, most likely you're also the test pilot in all of this. Well now, just how brave (smart) are ya? How many more "Check - Frights" do you in you? In either case if you're sole determination is to build a cheap automotive conversion to save some dollars on your project you may want to do some serious Soul, yes thats with a U fool, and not the $ole ($$$) $earching before entertaining such an endeavour. I would highly recommend, for starters, to follow tried and true more so than thinking you'll re-invent the whole homebuilt world of how to set up automotive engines and that history and those you came before you just simply got it wrong. Now, if everything you've just read thus far doesn't stop your resolve to build your own engine conversion, go ahead, read on.  
    Do I still stand behind the Subaru? Absolutely 100%!! It is a solid, reliable, time proven option and all of my encountered issues were not as much Subaru Engine problems but "me-chanic induced problems" more so, with the biggest issue, getting all the items you attach to it running in tune with the engine. Perfecting the mounting, air intake, fuel delivery, exhaust flow, cooling, and last but not least the reduction drive/propeller system. Don't expect for a moment that you can just add a new part and it will fit and operate perfectly. I got bitten big time by a new water pump installation, despite the fact that way back in 2006 I've printed and filed a builder report pertaining to the three (3) YES THREE different water pump options that all will fit the EA81 Subie, but all are slightly different in heights and not necessarily in alignment with your stock main crankshaft pulley. But that's a whole another story in itself. And after all the installation woes, it will take some time tweaking, I thought I had it at 15hrs, then for sure at 30hrs, definitely at 40 and now at 70, with the last 30 rather flawless I'm still finding myself doing little adjustments tweaks here and there. If it were a Lycoming these would be done most likely by the local AP at some great cost (cutting into the fuel budget) and not really furthering the understanding of my engine. Which brings me to the true reason for me to build, to do what I (we) did, and that is to "experiment", "learn", and being able to proudly say, "Yup we built this!" 
    To say this whilst sitting around a backcountry fire with a good friend, cooking some Connoisseur blue collar tube steaks, ..PRICELESS!!
    Best regards, Willy T.  
    • 1


  3. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic NR Propeller   

    Thanks everyone for their thoughts, ideas, and contributions above. To update you, the 3 blade Warp is back on, the vibration is less as expected and best guess, given due consideration to the enclosed, is that its coming from the gearbox. It is nearing the 500hr mark and given the fact it is this load, unload scenario we feel its time to look deeper. We'll let you know what we find, here on this topic page. 
    This is by no means a NR is bad and WarpDrive is good kind of posting, nothing could be further from the truth. The NR is absolutely gorgeous and a great option in the wide array of propellers. More to follow, have a great weekend!  
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  4. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic NR Propeller   

    Thanks Laurent, Jim for your insights. We did double check the angle via digital inclinometer and both tips are 9deg. respectively. The gap all around can’t be the same as the outboard 2 (4) bolts are torqued to 164 and the main hub bolts at 214 if I recall correctly here. So there is a minor visual gap difference but I’d expect that with the difference in torque spec. 
    The tips are running an extremely fine line, so we don’t think it’s on the install, but we can/will double check. I still think it’s related to the wind milling on descent at full idle, especially since it runs very smooth under all other power settings, climb, cruise, etc. 
    A bit of a head scratcher alright and we just finished an engine mount inspection. Less than 30 hrs on the bucks and no sign of any cracks, loose bolts. 
    Thanks again, Willy T.
    • 0


  5. bcbushcaddy added a topic in KitFox General Forum   

    NR Propeller
    Hello, 
    Just installed a new shiny and beautifully crafted NR Propeller on a Kitfox 4-1200 powered by a Rotax 912 UL. It replaced a 72” 3 blade tapered Warp Drive. There has always been even with the WDP a bit of vibration on full idle especially at short final with the engine completely unloaded and the “wind milling” Propeller apparently driving (leading?) the engine. Now this has been drastically aggravated with the 2 blade NR. 
    Is anybody out there experiencing the same thing or a similar issue at final approach at full idle? The vibrations seem to increase proportionally with airspeed at full idle rpm. No issues once you add  a little power and load up the prop and engine. 
    • 10 replies
    • 4,051 views


  6. bcbushcaddy added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Subaru EA81 Engine
    Hello everyone, 
    A friend of mine is upgrading his Citabria from the 0-235 to an 0-320 and has offered me his engine at a reasonable cost. Therefore Nellie's Subie (BushCaddy R80) is available and it includes everything, ..just about. The engine has 30TT on it as of today and this will keep going up since I will be flying it until sold. Fuel consumption is about 3.5gal @ 4200 to 4500rpm cruise. If someone wants to fly it with me in my BushCaddy you are more than welcome to do so. If you want to see and hear it fly right now - click the links below.  
     
    Anyhow, here is a short list of some of the goods; 
    Weber 32/36 Carburator, Johnson 2.1 to 1 Reduction , 3 bladed Ivo 68" Propeller, Engine Gauges (white faced), Engine Mount, Muffler, Manuals, spare parts kit. Basically everything firewall forward - Engine can be crated (at your cost) and prepared for shipping if so desired. Asking 2,750.- CDN 
    For questions please reply within and serious inquiries/offers can be directed to one 2five0 seven0six 9four9six
    • 0 replies
    • 1,070 views


  7. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Yamaha RX1 Engines   

    Hello everyone, 
    Well we finally melted out of the snowbank and are appreciating some warmer temps in the Cariboo Country. Winter is nothing but a faint memory and the skis have been replaced with the Tundra's. Here is a few clips of Willis flying the "Frozen Nose Fat Bastard" or as we now refer to it, the "Screamin Demon" on skis. The RX has performed well (outperformed the rest shall we say!!). Nothing fancy on the editing, I left the sound in original to give a better idea. 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1wamjY_-AE 
     
    • 3


  8. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Carb Heat on EA81 Holley/Weber set up   

    Just a quick little update here on the upgrades. 10+ hours of fine ski flying was to be had with not a single issue. The belt never moved, the bolts are all tight, it starts and runs better than it ever did with the Rotec TBI. Still a touch on the lean side, but that can be solved with a jetting change. My 68" IVO might be a tad short and in due time there might be an upgrade to a new prop. Or maybe even better, total upgrade firewall forward now that Teal is getting close with his new drive system. 

    • 1


  9. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Yamaha Apex Skytrax Adapters   

    Congratulations! One should really place this piece of fine art on pedestal in the Smithsonian for the many to see. But even better will be the enjoyment of the few lofting them to cool places even though it is hidden under an aircraft cowling. Having had a chance to fly Willis' Fat Avid with the 1.O RX conversion I can't wait to see what 2.0 brings. Looks like it's about time to bring an end to my Subie days here and start thinking heart transplant for Nellie!  
    • 1


  10. bcbushcaddy added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Ridge Runner 3S for sale
    Hello everyone, 
    Took on this project about 2 years ago and all I got done is to overhaul the top end of the 503 I was going to use in it. Just too busy and time to clean out the shop. Could be crated (for cost) and shipped if so desired. More info available here or you can reply via the forum. Funds are in CAD. Serious inquiries only please! 
    • 0 replies
    • 1,056 views


  11. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Subaru EA81   

    Hi Randy, Avidfoxflyers,
    It is back in the air and its been almost too flawless, ...makes you wonder what's next? Rolled in about 5 hours thus far and lets just say every upgrade done is a positive. Changed the Rotec TBI to a Weber 34/36 and solved starting and flooding issues. Engine runs just the same and no change in power or fuel consumption is noticeable. If there is any, it seems to have a bit more pizazz overall, quicker response maybe. 
    The Johnson Redrive was completely disassembled, remachined and new bearing put in place. There was numerous issues, biggest one was the crinkle paint powder coating that would allow washers, bolt heads, to wear into the paint and loose torque specification. furthermore the box structure was not true and hence the bearing/shaft alignment was in a slight V - speak a few thou and we, the machinist and I, believe this might have been the trouble of the walking belt, the overheating of the rear bearing and pre-mature wear of the bottom shaft going into the bearing housing. Make a long story short the belt sits in place through all RPM's and loads and everything runs the way it should for once. 
    I have been around the Johnson Re-drives since the early 90's and recall that the plans version never called for any paint. They were straight aluminium and it was only the purchased drives that had the powder coating. If you have a powder coated drive and have similar issues, think we have a cure. But further testing is do be done. Forgot to mention that the starter bracket was also fixed and now has better clearance and alignment with the ring gear. Below photo with the spotting work done and during reassembly. 

    Here is a photo of "Nellie" with Willis' (Marshawk) Yamaha RX powered Fat Avid in the background. About the only time I've ever been a nose ahead since he converted to the new engine :-)) 

    • 2


  12. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Subaru EA81   

    Thanks Randy, ..it can only fight me for so long! There is definitely some machining and tolerance issue's on my drive. While minor and nearly undetectable by the common builder/non machinist it was just ever so enough to cause these problems. Hope we have the "run-out" issues corrected and it will be smooth turning from here on forward. Just waiting for the lakes to freeze up around here to provide some additional runway lenghts and option for those first "check frights" with all the new parts. Stay tuned, pictures to follow of some of the work and issues corrected.  
    • 1


  13. bcbushcaddy added a topic in Close Call's and dumb stunts   

    Carb Heat Box Failure
    Hello everyone, 
    Just a quick heads up that while flying with a student yesterday in his PA-17 powered by a C-85 I had a partial engine failure in the circuit. We were working on runway changes so at time of the failure a bit further out on downwind as usual and unable to return to the pavement, safety concerns with houses, power lines, highways etc. 
    Anyhow, as I showed him once more pre-landing power reduction by pulling carb heat prior to throttle reduction the engine nearly died. Also the carb heat cable came out slightly further as it used to. I immediately pushed the nose down a bit, pushed the carb heat back in - no change 500 - 700 rpm rough at best. Reduce speed to best glide, look out below, check fuel, 3/4 tank, fuel valve on, bla bla bla ..while slowly sinking towards unfriendly terrain below. At this point I started cycling the engine and after several cycles it seemed to stabilize at about 1900 - 2000 rpm, ..time to look for a landing site, open terrain below and possibly nurse it back to the airport. No luck, can't maintain altitude so out over a small valley we go to get additional heights in the sinking game. It is also fairly open and has a few frozen ponds (barely frozen) in it that can be used as a last resort scenario. But no power lines, roads, houses, and if needed a bit of room to select the best bad place there is, since there really is no good ones. 
    Knowing of an old airstrip in the area and realizing that going back to CZML was a no go we decided to use the old field. It has some fairly tall trees at the approach and a new fence (hard to see near dusk) about 1/3 down, ..never mind its all we got. Over the trees we go, lean it over into a nice slip towards the fence, level off, flare, touch down, roll out, full brakes, watch the ditch, big rock, bull wallows and and we come to halt, ..best of all right side up and not a scratch on the plane. 
    After shut down and inspection I put my fingers up the hot air bleed hole of the box and immediately could feel the butterfly valve laying on the bottom of the box. Upon removing the filter it was rather obvious that some really poor workmanship was to blame and a secondary, possible 3rd repair and brazing failed - see photos. It partially occluded the intake and reduced the amount of air needed for the engine to run properly.
    So if anyone is using an old carb heat box, they are now 60 years old, things fail, don't be afraid to check it good on your next annual. Look at the welds!! Anytime you pull that filter, give that Butterfly Valve a good hands on wiggle, not just a visual. Ideally spend a couple hundred bucks for a new one and get a peace of mind with it.  And also, anyone telling you that certified engines are better than your Rotax, Subaru or Yamaha, because they never fail, ..I beg to differ. Certified Aircraft engines have problems too and I could go on for some time listing issues here. But the point here is, that a look is good, a hands on wiggle better and new box ideal. So for all those on this forum or maybe your friends that are bombing around with an old C-65, 75, 85, 90 you name it, ..maybe check that old airbox and the welds. Was a first for us, but there is lots of them out there. Stay safe! 


    • 4 replies
    • 2,540 views


  14. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Yamaha RX1 Engines   

    REALLY?! I've been following this threat with great interest as I had the opportunity to see Willis' (Marshawk) Yamaha Conversion come to life with Teal's help. I don't have a re-drive or Yamaha yet, ..but don't think it will ever be bearing a Mohawk sticker.  Just my .02 cents! ;-) 
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  15. bcbushcaddy added a post in a topic Subaru EA81   

    Thanks EDMO, it is actually good input as it leads to yet another discussion and thats on the benefit of the lower bearing. My first ever Johnson re-drive built from plans and parts also did not have the lower bearing, nor did several other belt drive systems such as Stratus or even Raven if I remember correctly. The biggest problem for me is the paint job, looks good but really bugs me for tolerance and ability to trust the torque settings over time. Next, and I will have to check that yet, is to micrometer the Subaru Crankshaft Flange and possible "runout" into the shaft end inside the front bearing. Let's just say that the tolerances used in the machining of the drive (way back when, 80's, 90's) are not quite CNC and what one might expect of being made today. And it's experimental and there should be a certain expectation that it will work but might need some fine tuning. And there is the fact they were built as a one of at the time and there is installation variations from builder to builder no doubt. Anyhow front the shaft has been sleeved, going to post some photos next time and hopefully some more info on the runout issue if there is any. 
    Thanks again EDMO, ...hang in there! With best wishes, 
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