Allen Sutphin

Contributing Member
 View profile  See their activity

  • Content count

    1,007

  • Joined

  • Last visited


Everything posted by Allen Sutphin



  1. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Is a KF 2 frame symmetrical ?   

    When I got my model 4 from Skystar in '91 I ask their engineer Dave Snell about engine placement and vertical offset. He said centerline the engine and the earlier Model 4's weren't  offset due to builders using 912's, 582's, and various other engines.
    • 0


  2. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Is a KF 2 frame symmetrical ?   

    I believe the model 1 thru 3 was not offset. Haven't a clue about 4 thru 7. I know my model 2 is not offset cause I checked it with a laser level.
    • 1


  3. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Needed to buy, borrow, or rent: 912 flywheel puller   

    Today when buying Avid/Foxes, there isn't any room for tire kickers or hagglers. When I had mine for sale, that's about all the calls I got. You're probably like I am, when I go look at one, I go prepared to buy if I want it.
    • 1


  4. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Needed to buy, borrow, or rent: 912 flywheel puller   

    Looking on Barnstormers this morning and noticed there was only 6 or 7  "classic" Avid/Foxes for sale in the US below 25-30K. There was a few "high dollar" newer models for sale at prices I couldn't even think about. I guess the supply of the classics have about ended. A partially completed Avid kit was listed at 13K was about the only lower cost one I seen. Normally this time of year they are several for sale. Maybe everybody is afraid to travel during the big threat. Somehow I don't think they are going to get any cheaper in the future. OK, my morning ramble is over!
    • 0


  5. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    The HKS manual said pure synthetic oil and most use Mobil 1 in their engines so that's what I got. Oil filter from NAPA so those two things are locally available. Some stuff is pure Yamaha crossover stuff, like coils, regulator,etc. Don't know yet about the CDI boxes, but I suspect they are or can be found somewhere besides HKS. HKS took their price list from Rotax and we know what those prices are.
    • 0


  6. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    Mine go to idle per spring tension. Had to go buy four stroke oil today, strange, never done that in several years! Always been two stroke oil.
    • 0


  7. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    Well I finally got the exhaust system made up and tack welded. And the dang thing fits. Now to find someone to do the final welding on the stainless steel pipe. I temporary used a steel rod and torch to hold everything in alignment till I get it final welded. Progress can now move forward. Exhaust about drove me crazy as an outhouse rat!
    • 2


  8. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    My misunderstanding! I give $5500 for mine with 80 hrs on it. And have to convert it from a pusher to a tractor configuration. That work alone probably adds another $500 to it. No sense in being stupid if you can't prove it now and then!
    • 0


  9. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    Don't want to waste any more cash on experimenting or at least not that much when all I lack is the exhaust pipes. May have found a temporary solution, 1 1/4" flexible exhaust tubing. Not really a long term solution but would get it running and flyable. At least I would have time to work up a permanent solution.
    • 0


  10. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    The HKS is approx. the same weight as a 582. Maybe a tad less depending on the installation.But it is also 5 less horsepower. I have a 3 gal header tank behind the seat along with 2 6 gal wing tanks. Factory states 126 lbs flying weight of the HKS, then add eng mount and prop. I've always added 10% to the factory published weights for actual flying weight. And have been pretty darn close most times. The exhaust will have to be custom fitted and made. And its going to be challenging to say the least.

    • 1


  11. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 frame strengthening   

    Talk to TJay, the man has a master's degree in hillbilly engineering!  And several on here are waiting for their diplomas to show up in the mail.
    • 1


  12. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic K-Max down   

    I feel for you! Since I experienced nearly the same tragedy at the beginning of summer. Words cannot express the sorrow.
    • 0


  13. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Needed to buy, borrow, or rent: 912 flywheel puller   

    Know exactly what you mean! I am into making the exhaust for this Fox/HKS combo. The hammer is standing by.
    • 0


  14. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Needed to buy, borrow, or rent: 912 flywheel puller   

    I do have a sledgehammer that I will loan out. It has experience at engine disassembly!
    • 1


  15. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 rebuild   

    Situations like these keep me from wanting a 912. I think I'll save my pennies for a bird with a Cont or Lyco on the nose. They may be old, outdated, heavy and came here on the Mayflower, but they are pretty simple and reliable. I know from all reports that the 912 is a great engine, or at least till something starts going south.
    • 0


  16. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 4 rebuild   



  17. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Jabiru 2200 Prop Recommendation for C model   

    When I talked to Daryl at Warp Drive he said the only failures he knew of were Warp Drive props used on Jabiru engines. He mentioned 2 failures on the 2200 using the older hubs. But that was several years ago, too. But I am sure it wasn't their fault. Its always someone else's fault, pilot, installation error, engine manufacturer, bolt maker, etc.
    • 1


  18. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    I am cuttin' an a slashin' like Edward Scissorhands! Cut it off twice and its still too short!
    • 0


  19. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    I need some nerve medicine, just took a grinder to an$800 exhaust system that was on the HKS. Did get the muffler mounted where it will live. Now to make the pipes match the intakes and the exhaust flange. Had no takers on barnstormers so spent a couple hours engineering the exhaust. Hope the HKS is worth the aggravation of the installation.
    • 1


  20. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Random Bar   

    My guess is that it is the support bar for when the wings are folded. Mounts to the leading edge spar when folded.
    • 1


  21. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Exhaust header near firewall   

    1/4" is pretty tight but I use the insulating wrap on all my exhaust and it does a great job of keeping heat out of the engine compartment.  Just make sure engine or muffler vibration doesn't cause it to rub the firewall. I've seen them that close before with no issues.
    • 0


  22. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Powerfin Prop   

    I am sure they will replace it. Its just the time and hassle involved.
    • 0


  23. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    'T' handle made and installed. Now to hook up cable. Since there is only about 2" throw on the carbs, I changed the leverage to allow for small adjustments.

    • 3


  24. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    I think the bigger issue is to not let them deteriorate to the point that they would fail.  Chances of both cables failing at the same time is rare unless there is a splitter involved and a single cable running to the handle.  If one of the $1 springs fail, or something as simple as that, your done.  Besides my next machine, if there is one, will have a Lyco or Cont on the nose.
    • 0


  25. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic HKS Install   

    Just sent you a PM. My carbs are at idle with the cables unhooked.  The butterfly is fully closed held there by the springs, indicating idle condition. Pulling on the cables opens the butterfly against the spring tension. Scared me there for a minute! Different carb set ups for different engine configurations. All depends on which side the spring is hooked on. One side is full throttle and the other side is at idle.
    • 0