herman pahls

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  1. herman pahls added a post in a topic RK clutch and idle RPM   

    Joey
    Very good point.
    I did not even think about burping the system.
    Now I remember years ago on the 532 removing the temperature sensor on top of the head when initially installing the coolant to make sure no air was trapped.
    Thanks for the suggestion.
    Herman
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  2. herman pahls added a post in a topic RK clutch and idle RPM   

    Are there any other RK 400 clutch users besides AKflyer?
    He must be out of reach to answer my questions.
    I just installed a clutch on my 582 Bluehead powered Kitfox and am very pleased.
    I would like to be able to turn my idle speed down to 1400 RPM like he does and need to know how to modify the slides to accomplish this.
    Also, my water temps are in the 195-200 range on 50 degree days at sea level.
    I am using the stock Kitfox under belly radiator.
    I tried lowering it by 1 and 1/2 inches as I have seen others do with no improvement.
    I used the same radiator 4 years ago on a 532 and had to block 1/3 rd of it off this time of year to get up to 165 degrees.
    Maybe the radiator needs to be overhauled or the 582 Bluehead runs hotter.
    I am using the orange GM style antifreeze at 50-50.
    The CHT's are 275 max and the EGT's in the low 1100's at full throttle and 6500 RPM straight and level.
    Any suggestions?
    Thanks Herman
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  3. herman pahls added a post in a topic EGT Temps   

    Dave B
    I appreciate your aircraft fuel system advice.
    Did you mention elsewhere that you fly on 26 inch airstreaks on the Columbia river?
    I am from the Southern Oregon coast and would like to get your contact info.
    Thanks Herman Pahls Coquille, OR 541 404 6464 hpahls@gmail.com
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  4. herman pahls added a post in a topic RK clutch and idle RPM   

    Bryce
    I was also able to get a low idle without the clutch.
    The prop has a lot of drag even at idle.
    Thanks Herman
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  5. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    RK clutch and idle RPM
    Leni
    I am now a believer in the clutch on my 582 and wish I could have used one those 12 years with a 532.
    So smooth and no engine or gearbox shake or rattle.
    Problem is that with the idle speed screws all the way out (and slack in the throttle cables) and with
    # 50 idle circuit jets I am only 3/4 of a turn out on the mixture screw to get a 1900 RPM idle.
    The more I turn the idle mixture screw out the cleaner the idle and the higher the RPM and the prop starts turning.
    How did you get a 1400 RPM idle?
    Rotax Rick said I need to file on the slide to let it drop lower.
    Did you have this issue and how did you solve it.
    Awhile back you said you could hand prop a clutch with a few screws.
    Do you mind elaborating.
    Thanks Herman
    • 9 replies
    • 2,824 views


  6. herman pahls added a post in a topic lift strut fairings   

    I appreciate all the good avice.
    I also had corrosion with my original Model 1 lift struts that had glued on wooden fairings and covered with fabric.
    If you can save 6 pounds by drilling holes in the wooden fairings and covering the holes fabric,
    how about swiss cheesing the fairing behind the lift strut (of the snap together plastic fairings) and use a length wise strip of Gorrilla tape to cover the holes.
    This idea would still allow easy removal for corrosion inspection but the airfoil may be altered adversely.
    Any opinions or predictions if the weight loss is worth swiss cheesing the lift struts?
    Herman
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  7. herman pahls added a post in a topic lift strut fairings   

    I spoke with Merle Williams ( murlewilliamsaircraft.com ) since I posted today about lighter lift strut fairings.
    He said that he was designing very light fairings (6 pounds total) out of .020 aluminum that should be on the market in a few months.
    He already sells fairings that go between the lift strut fairings and the wing.

    Herman
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  8. herman pahls added a post in a topic lift strut fairings   

    There has to be a lighter weight option than these 24 pound plastic Kitfox lift strut fairings.
    Any ideas out there you are willing to share?
    Thanks Herman
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  9. herman pahls added a post in a topic lift strut fairings   

    Leni
    Thanks for the advice using Gorilla tape and no glue.
    Makes it easy to remove and look for corrosion.
    My original Model 1 lift struts had wooden fairings covered with fabric that the corrosion started to bubble thru under the fabric after 12 years.
    I assume the snap pressure to the strut keeps the fairings from rotating on the struts.
    How did you finish off the fairing where you have to trim so it does not contact the fuselage when or if you fold the wings? Gorilla tape??
    Herman
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  10. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    lift strut fairings
    Many have said the lift strut fairings are worth 8-10 MPH on a Avid/Kitfox.
    I ordered the plastic snap on style for my 1 inch diameter Kitfox liftstruts from John Mcbean
    I am looking for alternate methods to esthetically blend the 2 fairings where they blend together at the fuselage end instead of using the aluminum cuff material they supply.
    Maybe the aluminum cuff will look acceptable after all?
    Does Bondo or structual adhesive stick to this plastic?
    What glue do I use to glue the fairings to the lift strut?
    Do you also glue the snap together joint?
    Should I have considered other lift strut fairing material?
    Thanks Herman
    • 9 replies
    • 3,419 views


  11. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    First flight
    Yesterday I made my first flight with a 582 Bluehead in my Model 2 after removing the the 80 HP Jabiru.
    I sure miss the smooth 800 RPM idle of the Jabiru.
    This #490 Kitfox performs well with this 582.
    The 582 does not smooth out till 2700 RPM so I have some tuning to do.
    I have #55 idle jets and ordered #50.
    How many turns out should the idle screw be?
    How low will these engines idle without shaking the airframe apart?
    I get 6250 RPM full throttle at sea level with the brakes on and it climbs at 6500 RPM.
    With 170 mainjets I am showing 1150 EGT's and 225 CHT's at full throttle climb out.
    The needle is in the 2nd from the richest position.
    It was a 50 degree day and the water temp was 175.
    The fuel flow meter was showing 7 GPH full throttle climb.
    The EGT's seem a little high but would like advice on what all these numbers should be to take good care of this engine.
    Thanks Herman
    • 2 replies
    • 623 views


  12. herman pahls added a post in a topic To Chute or not to Chute ?   

    I am interested in the 1200# BRS for sale.
    Has it expired and need to be repacked?
    Herman Oregon 541 404 6464
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  13. herman pahls added a post in a topic HACman   


    Hi BryceKat
    Thanks for responding.
    Assuming you have a 582, do your carbs have the stock #55 idle jets?
    How many turns out are your idle mixture screws?
    What is your idle RPM? My 582 idles smooth at 2500, but wish for 2000 RPM for shorter landing.
    I ordered a RK 400 clutch.
    Will the clutch change the way you deal with the HACman's tuning?
    Are you using the #180 main jets that come with the HACman?
    How does the 582 idle when warmed and the HACman turned to full rich as needed for take-off?
    Thanks Herman
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  14. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    HACman
    With the HACman installed and the valve turned to the RICH direction, my 582 blue head runs horrible below 3500 RPM and has a hard time transitioning to above 3500 RPM.
    If I disconnect the HACman lines that go to the Bing overflow tubes the 582 idles and then transitions to higher RPM well.
    I called HACman to confirm I had the system installed correctly.
    Joey or anyone else with a HACman have any advice?
    Thanks Herman
    • 3 replies
    • 1,010 views


  15. herman pahls added a post in a topic Muffler and cowl clearance   

    Dholly
    Thanks for the photos showing the muffler to cowl and firewall clearance on a Model 3.
    My Model 1 cowl does not allow any where near the clearance that your photos show.
    I am using the Model 4 engine mount and the muffler fits the same as when I was using the Model 1 mount.
    Does anyone have a Model 1 or 2 Kitfox with a 532/582?
    Is the muffler clearance similar to as shown by Dholly?
    Thanks Herman
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  16. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Muffler and cowl clearance
    I would like to know how close the 582 muffler comes to the front lower lip of the lower rear cowl section on a model 4 Kitfox?
    Does the muffler have 1/2,3/4 or 1 inch of wiggle room on the supporting springs before it would hit the cowl?
    I realize that this a vague question so I will explain.
    It has been 5 years since my Model 1 Kitfox has flown with a Rotax 532 and I had forgotten that the 532 exhaust had very little clearance with the cowl.
    To gain more clearance I dented the muffler on the back side where it contacts the V shaped part of the motor mount where it goes to the lower center motor mount bolt to allow the muffler to swing aft to allow maybe a 1/4 inch of cowl clearance.
    I am repowering the Kitfox with a 582 and using the 532 exhaust and do not care that the muffler contacts the cowl in places.
    I would like to use the poor mans muffler wrap for cabin heat as Leni described but there is no spare room with the Model 1 cowl.
    I would like to know if the Model 4 cowl allows for more room when 582's and the Kitfox exhaust is used.
    Thanks Herman
    • 3 replies
    • 1,673 views


  17. herman pahls added a post in a topic Balancing 582 carbs   

    Joey
    You said you use the plastic clamps on the fuel pump and carbs.
    Where else then do you use the small metal gear clamps on the fuel system?
    Is there a reason you do not use the metal gear clamps on the carbs and fuel pump also?
    Do you avoid using safety wire as a clamp due to the risk of cutting the plastic tube?
    Do you car gas with ethanol?
    Thanks Herman
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  18. herman pahls added a post in a topic Balancing 582 carbs   



  19. herman pahls added a post in a topic Balancing 582 carbs   

    Thanks to this forum for helping me

    Michel

    Not sure what you meant with "Did you broke your Jab??"
    The Jabiru was good to me but because of Joey's backcountry Idaho Avid I went back to a 2 stroke to hopefully do the same.

    My wish list of the future; Rotax 670,HACman, IFA IVO, RK 400 clutch, Bushwheels

    Leni
    Thanks for the balancer offer.
    I am going to try the poor mans hardware store balancer that Joey linked.
    Are you going to fill me in on how a few tapped holes and set screws lock the clutch to allow hand prop?
    As easy as snow machines start, how about a rope starter.
    Not sure how easy it would be to pull start in the cockpit of a Avid/Fox but with a RK 400 it would be easier.

    Joey

    I am premixing
    Have not decided on the make of premix oil.
    I can not find Citgo land and sea as Leni suggested in my area.
    What do you pay for a gallon of your Amsoil 100:1 ?
    I am also using the Blue fuel line you pictured.
    Should safety wire or gear type clamps be used with the blue line?
    Seems like years ago I was told not to use gear clamps on the blue fuel line and sure enough one of my connections leaked on initial start up.
    Did you say that you have not had problems with car gas with ethanol?
    Hope to be in the air soon.
    Brent is doing great. I am so lucky to have my son 2 blocks away.
    He is building an off-road truck and of course I get to help.
    I need bush wheels so I can land on the gravel bars he does.

    Herman
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  20. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Balancing 582 carbs
    I would appreciate some 582 advice
    The Jabiru 2200 in my Model 2 Kitfox has been replaced by a 582 Bluehead.
    Just got it running today without the prop on and hope to fly this week.
    I have heard mention of a carb balancer on this forum but have no idea what the part number is and where to buy one.
    I had to turn the idle screws down probably 4 turns since I was running it without a prop.
    My questions are;
    1 These carbs came with a HACman so where do I attach the carb balancer tubes? Do I need to disconnect the HACman tube that goes between both carbs?
    2 I assume I use the balancer to get the idle balanced preferably with the prop on.
    3 What RPM should I set the idle to with a C-box 2.62 ratio and Ivo Prop?
    4 Do I then raise the RPM to adjust the throttle cable free play adjusters so both carbs open simaltaneously and equally? Do this at what RPM?
    5 What do I need to know about the 10 percent ethanol in Oregons car gas?
    6 My Kitfox has a 8 gallon plastic cowl tank and a 6 gallon fiberglass wing tank.
    7 I used Avgas with the Jabiru so was not concerned with fuel tanks being affected by the ethanol.
    8 What about the ultralight plastic fuel lines and rubber automotive fuel lines?
    Thanks for your time.
    Herman
    • 11 replies
    • 1,562 views


  21. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Back up fuel pump
    Is anyone using a back-up electric pump on their 582's in the event the pulse pump quits?
    I flew a 532 for 450 hours with no issue, but I now spend most of my time in the air close to the ground.
    I was considering using a electric Facet pump between the gasculotor and the pulse pump.
    Thanks Herman
    • 1 reply
    • 672 views


  22. herman pahls added a post in a topic I am committed   

    I will go on line to find Citgo Sea and snow.
    Are most 582's being flown with premix or oil injection.
    I have hesitated using oil injection due to another potential thing to fail.
    I assume all modern snowmobiles are oil injection.
    Is it a synthetic or mineral or combination.
    I had always been led to believe that Amsoil was the last word in oil so I am surprized to hear that some have had issues with it.
    I have 2 Ivo props to try with the 582.
    A Ivo 3 blade 68" ultralite that I flew for years with a 532 or
    a Ivo 3 blade 72" ultralight course pitch (has plus sign on each blade) that came with the 582.
    The previous owner flew this prop as a 2 blade saying that 3 blade was too much prop.
    Do you have any experience with this prop?
    Apparently it can not be pitched fine enough to fly as a 3 blade.
    Thanks for the ethanol warning and Kitfox tanks.
    I believe I switched to the Jabiru about the time Alcohol came to Oregon car gas.
    I used Avgas with the Jabiru.
    You must be using Avgas, Boat fuel or replaced tanks.
    My Kitfox has 9 gallon plastic cowl tank and one 6 gallon fiberglass wing tank.
    Do you know if the plastic cowl tanks are affected by ethanol.
    I was told by Ivo that the IFAdjust system that came with the 72" prop is out of date and for $340. it can be updated to lastest .
    Were you the one that has had 3 failures with your Ivo IFA due to trying to take pitch out of a course pitch prop.
    The walnut sized electric motor has failed on the prop I have and Ivo said there is not a replacement.
    I would appreciate any Ivo IFA advice you might have.
    Thanks Herman
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  23. herman pahls added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    I am committed
    The Jabiru is history and a 582 is being installed.
    The plan is to get baseline performance with the 582 in my Model 2 Kitfox and then go to a Rotax Rick 670.
    I am looking forward to swinging more and a slower prop again.
    I flew my previous 2 stroke (532) for 450 successful hours on Husqavarna 50-1 chainsaw oil the same oil I have used in many dirt bikes for
    15 yeasr.
    I am nervous about the 100-1 Amsoil ratio that some of you have been successful with.
    Rotax Rick suggests 40-1 Amsoil.
    Rotax Joe insists on 100-1 Amsoil and the 800 hours his 582's are getting.
    I would appreciate any feedback on premix oils and ratios and the use of 10 percent alcohol car gas.
    Thanks Herman
    • 3 replies
    • 3,200 views


  24. herman pahls added a post in a topic Starting over   

    Joey
    Thanks for bringing the 582 to my attention.
    I placed an ad on barnstormers last Sunday to sell my Jabiru and spent most of the week dealing with the interest.
    I had 2 serious offers and will know tommorrow if it sold.
    If so I will most likely order a "Rotax Rick" 670.
    I have made contact with 2 of Ricks 670 customers and both were very pleased.
    As you and I talked the exhaust is an issue with the 670 and I learned from these 670 owners what is working for them.
    Basically they are using the 618 exhaust.
    One of them went from the 582 to 618 exhaust and said the power difference was worth a lot of extra prop pitch.
    I have already removed the Jabiru so that makes me commited to a 2 Stroke and the only good reason is Idaho Backcountry.
    And I have you and your Avid to blame for this.
    I will keep you posted.
    Can somebody inform me about makeing donations to Barnstormers if there free ads are successful in making a sale.
    The process and proper dollar amount is not clear to me and I prefer to pay by check.
    Herman
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  25. herman pahls added a post in a topic Starting over   

    AKFlyer
    Thanks again for sharing your experience and taking time to help me out.
    Herman
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