Allen Sutphin

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Everything posted by Allen Sutphin



  1. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Simonini Victor 2   

    One of the big issues causing GA engine failures or issues is the cost to overhaul them. Same with the 912 series when they build up hours to TBO. People just can't afford 15K or more to overhaul so they keep flying a time bomb. A 582 can be overhauled for approx. 3K so doing an overhaul every 5-6 years, you have an engine that is more reliable, isn't more than 5-6 years old, and most of us old codgers will only go thru 1 or 2 overhauls at the most. Compared to a Cont/Lyco that hasn't been torn apart  in 25 years.  99% of all 2 strokes don't fail, "they are murdered by their owners".
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  2. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Brakes   

    Double puck calipers are an option for the 1500 series. A big advantage to Black Max's double caliper is two inlets on each caliper. One can Tee the lines together for pilot brakes only or put the passenger brake line in the second fitting for dual brakes. Then all that's required is two master cylinders and some line. Plus they use ATF instead of 5606. We'll see.
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  3. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Simonini Victor 2   

    NAW! I think those thousands and thousands of 582 flyers in all kinds of aircraft are WORNG!  LOL!
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  4. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New guy in Vermont, Ridge Runner rebuild   

    Rotax Rick, I know nothing about, but for peace of mind it would be worth it to at least have it inspected and resealed. Whoever does it.
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  5. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Brakes
    Getting ready tomorrow to pull the trigger and order a set of brake assemblies from Black Max Brakes. They have a set that matches the original 8" wheels X 3/4" axels. These might be a little overkill since they are for 1500 lbs gross weight aircraft.
    • 3 replies
    • 873 views


  6. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New guy in Vermont, Ridge Runner rebuild   

    Almost pulled the trigger on a RidgeRunner kit myself. But decided on rebuilding a Fox. You will have a blast with it! Keep us posted.
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  7. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Cargo Pods   

    Ex river guide on The New River so I enjoy whitewater, or used to. Never considered that approach for storage. Slick!
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  8. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Progress on my 3   

    Looks sharp!!! Nice job!  I love seeing the older "classics" restored. Looks like you are keeping it pretty much original.
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  9. Allen Sutphin added a topic in KitFox General Forum   

    Kitplanes article
    A nice article in June Kitplanes on Kitfoxes. Kind of backs up my opinion on the classic M1, M2, and M3's. If you can find one for sale. John McBean said the model 1's and 2's in flyable condition are bringing 20K when you find one for sale. According to the article, one better have the money in his pocket when he goes to see it, if he turns around, it won't be there when the turns back around. Very few are parting with them unless its for financial reasons.
    • 10 replies
    • 2,088 views


  10. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Matco wheels and brakes   

    A set on barnstormers!
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  11. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Hirth 3202   

    I still have it listed but until I part with it, I'll keep all intentions of flying it. Currently things aren't selling like they once were months ago. Yes, due to my terrain, I'd like a reliable four stroke but from all reports I've been reading, this Hirth is almost as reliable as the 4 strokes I've been reading about. A 912 (which isn't my #1 choice anyhow) is too heavy for a model 2, a Jab 2200 is hard to find right now, if its a good one. An HKS is also rare to find and since they aren't currently in production parts are questionable. So after all the items are added up, this Hirth is one of 2 or 3 options available. A 582 is a great package if set up properly, a 503 has to be run pretty hard for any performance to be had, so a 55-58 hp Hirth with a 1200 hr TBO (I already have it mounted) is the reasonable option for now. Though the 1200 TBO I think is a little over stated. But its new so 500 hrs isn't out of the question.
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  12. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Cargo Pods
    Anybody have any slick ideas on homemade cargo pods for Avid/Foxes?
    • 7 replies
    • 2,246 views


  13. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Rotax and other engines   

    Hirth 3202
    Think I am on speaking terms with the Hirth now. A lot of experimenting with carb jets to find the correct size and going to a softer barry mount on the engine to calm it down a bit. Also got the static RPM set. So now to the airstrip for final testing. Of course the weather wants to be difficult with high winds and rain.
    • 2 replies
    • 873 views


  14. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic MY AVID Mk4 RX-1...build   

    That's called the "TLAR" method! Used exclusively in homebuilding. In other words, " That looks about right".
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  15. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Installing elevator and rudder hinge pins   

    That's exactly the stuff and size I used. 5/16 OD X 3/16 ID
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  16. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Oratex 6000 on a PA12   

    Got to admire your attitude about it. Most would have thru up their hands and said "to *&%## with it". I almost did when it happened to me.
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  17. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Oratex 6000 on a PA12   

    That pretty much sucks! I have been there twice. One reason I now have a Kitfox, keep it at home in the barn. I feel for you!  Insurance or not it still hurts. I didn't have.
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  18. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Backcountry runway project   

    Self mowing grass!  Otherwise one with a good deep root system.
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  19. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic New Control System Done!!   

    Not too bad for an Iowa boy! LOL!
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  20. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic KF fabric problems   

    The little pinholes in the fabric is a common problem in finishes. Generally means the fabric sealer was not applied to saturate the fabric well enough. Paint cracking (ringworm) usually indicates the paint isn't polytone (enamel cracks) or it was a heavy coat applied. Neither one indicates bad fabric although after almost 30 years it could be. Try the finger test, take your finger and try to push thru the fabric, the indentation should come back out in a short (less than a minute or two) time. If it does the fabric is most likely ok, if it doesn't then the fabric has lost its ability to stretch. If your finger goes thru the fabric then its in need of replacement.  Most newer A&P's aren't familiar with dope and fabric like us old codgers. Back then a lot of time was spent on fabric work and nowdays its covered briefly. First, identify what type system was used, Poly fiber, or one of the other systems that was available in '93.
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  21. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic 582 starter trouble   

    If the solenoid is clicking, its most likely OK. Generally its the brushes not making contact or the connector wire to the brush burning open. It is also a fuseable link so if one cranks too long before allowing it to cool, it will burn open. I've had it happen to customer aircraft due to grinding and grinding on the starter. A local shop can repair it instead of paying Rotax prices, or do it yourself. But its only my opinion. Rotax or GPL starters are known for this. If one is not a cranker, then its usually not an issue.
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  22. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Jokes   

    Easter Bunny
    Seen our hillbilly easter bunny out today hiding eggs!
    • 0 replies
    • 1,127 views


  23. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Whatca Workin on Pt 2   

    We here in hillbilly land call that a mansion!  We usually go with something like a 56 international school bus. Complete with seats, we can sleep 40 hillbillies in it.
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  24. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Wanting to buy Kitfox round cowl   

    You might be like me, the only book my face is on is hanging in the post office!
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  25. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Jabiru FWF Weight.   

    Figured out one issue with the Hirth today. The dang thing starts so quick that it tries to idle at 6-700 RPM which wants to remove itself from the airframe. Have to set idle with throttle stops instead of idle screws on carbs. It starts in about 2 blades due to the timing advance. Now on to the next issue.
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