skypics

Members
 View profile  See their activity

  • Content count

    144

  • Joined

  • Last visited


Everything posted by skypics



  1. skypics added a topic in Avid Model IV   

    Jab 2200 Gen 4 installation
    The Gen 4 engine on my Avid MK4 has actually flown 1st flight.
    Finally, I have the air dams modified to fit under my cowl. Of course. My cowl is tight so if you have a different shaped cowl you may not have to do anything. The one thing I would suggest to Jabiru is to add a few inches length to the plug wires. At their present length, it is very difficult to connect to the plugs because you have to keep the dam close to the head and get your hand up under the dam to connect the wires. The 1st time I fired up the engine, the float bowl leaked due to contamination preventing the float bowl from closing. I could see debris in the bottom of the bowl. Got that issue resolved...I thought. Then I took it for the 1st flight and the engine sputtered and threatened to die at 50 up. So I slipped it down safely. Found more debris in the float bowl so, with the bowl removed I cranked the engine which flushed all the debris out of the fuel line. I think the debris was from when I cut into the line between the fuel pump and the carb to install the line to my fuel pressure sensor. Did a couple of crow hops with no issues so I flew a couple of full patterns. All pressures and temp readings were well within specs and the engine performed flawlessly. Actually, the EGTs and CHTYs are lower than that on the old engine. The fuel pressure runs between 4-4.5 PSI so I had to change the upper limit alarm on my Grand Rapids EFIS. It can idle all the way down to 600 RPM very smoothly.  I have the prop set at the same degrees as when I pulled the old engine to see if there would be any difference in climb RPM. There is no difference. Climb RPM at 65 MPH is 2850. I expect this may increase a bit with the engine is finally broken in.  I only have 1 hour now. I'll update when I have more hours and consider it broken it. So I'll be flying patterns for several hours. John M ;t go into the details of the mod.
    • 25 replies
    • 3,225 views


  2. skypics added a post in a topic Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale   

    The motor mount is sold.
    • 0


  3. skypics added a post in a topic Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale   

    The motor mount has been sold and now resides in Washington State.
     
    John M
    • 0


  4. skypics added a post in a topic Jab 2200 for sale   

    Engine has been sold and now resides in Canada.
     
    John M
    • 0


  5. skypics added a topic in Technical tasks   

    Jabiru 2200 Gen 4 installation
    Am in the process of mounting my new Gen 4 2200.
    I had to buy a new motor mount because they have raised the top two mount points 15 mm to clear the much larger fins.
    I have had good experience with the early hyd lifter 2200 but always felt that while the lower parts are robust the top parts, i.e. rocker box parts were not nearly lubricated well enough.
    I have looked over this new engine and I like what they have done.
    The push rods now supply oil to the rocker box parts including the rocker bushings and valve stems. 
    95% of the engine is now cast with the jug and the head as one part all aluminum with nicoseal. So tolerances can be much tighter.
    I will have to modify the air dams to fit under my cowl since they are larger and cover all the way back on the jug to the 2nd fin out from the case.
    This engine now has roller lifters so they increased the slope of the cam lobes and use double valve springs.
    I let you know my progress.
    Will fire it up next week.
    John M
     
    • 1 reply
    • 747 views


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

    Jabiru 2200 head
    This head will fit the #1 and #3 position according to the oil feed lines to the rocker box.
    This is the newer head with 21 smaller fins.
    Contact me for a photo.
    John 
    • 0 replies
    • 419 views


  7. skypics added a post in a topic Tail Wheel Swap to a Matco Pneumatic 8"   

    I have the MATCO pneumatic tail wheel.
    I have found that having one less link on one side minimizes harmonic tail wheel shimmy.
    John M
    • 0


  8. skypics added a post in a topic Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale   

    Scott:
     
    My new mount should arrive from Jabiru on Tuesday, June 4.
    If it is correct we can begin the process of sending you my older engine Mount.
    John M
     
     
    • 0


  9. skypics added a post in a topic Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale   

    Scott:
    Sorry, I'm late with this response.
    It is still available, but I want to hold on to it until Jabiru sends me the new one I have ordered that was necessary because the Gen 4 engines raised the motor mount points onthe top rear of the engine by 15 mm, so mine will not fit.
    I want to be sure they get it right including the 5 degree tilt down. If it is not correct I will have my current mount modified.
    This could take a week or two.
    I will post here when it is ready.
     
    • 0


  10. skypics added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Jabiru Head for sale
    I have a spare head for the Jabiru 2200. It will go on either #1 or #4 due to the placement of the rocker box oil feed.
    This is the small fin version with the plugs paced a bit wider apart.
    These are close to $500 new as I recall, but I'll let this one go for $100 and the buyer pays to ship. 
    It should fit in a $12 priority shipping box from USPS.
    John M
    skypics234@aol.com
    • 1 reply
    • 731 views


  11. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru to Avid Flyer Engine Mount.   

    I have removed my Jab 2200 and it is on its way to its new owner in Canada.
    I removed the engine mount because it will not fit the new engine. I noticed and then remembered, the mount tilts the engine down at 5 degrees.
    I will keep this mount until I get the new one from Jabiru just to make sure they get it right.
    If not right I will spend the $600 to get my current mount modified by raising the top two mounts 15 mm.
    John M
     
    • 0


  12. skypics added a topic in 4-strokes   

    Jabiru 2200 Gen 2 s/n 3236 for sale
     
    THIS ENGINE HAS BEEN SOLD.
    I had some issues with this engine and found that the #4 hyd lifter was sticking and caused the bottom of the lifter to wear along with the #1 cam lobe.
    I replaced the lifter and exhaust valve and now the engine is putting out more power than it has for the last 200 hours.
    A new cam is $1000 from Jabiru Tennessee. I have been told there are shops that can repair cam lobes.
    I have ordered a new Gen 4 2200 and motor mount. 
    My current engine is mounted on an Avid MK4. It is turning a 66" Whirlwind 2 blade prop. Climb ar 2950 RPM is 1200 FPM. 
    I will fly this engine until I receive the new engine 3-4 week from this date.
    In the meantime, anyone interested in this engine can see it demonstrated at Corona Airport (KAO).
    I'll consider all reasonable offers. Jabiru will give me $2K for the engine as parts.
     
    John M
     
     
    • 0 replies
    • 544 views


  13. skypics added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale
    Avid B, C, and MK4 engine mount to Jabiru engine for sale.
    $199.00
    Buyer pays to ship from Southern California.
    This mount will be ready for shipment by May 30th.
    John M
    • 5 replies
    • 749 views


  14. skypics added a post in a topic Avid high camber wing modifications   

    As I remember I had 5 and 10-gallon marks on the tanks just as a reference as to what fuel is left in each tank.
    You noticed the VGs on the wing. I don't have them on my MK5 Avid because the flaperons work well as slotted flaps when deployed. The VGs allow a higher AOA on touch down, but that just causes the tail wheel to hit first which is too much stress on the tail spring. She touched down at 38 MPH so no need for the VGs on my MK4.
    The flaperons also worked as "trimerons" in cruise without any reduction in speed. For trim on landings, I had a spring from the seat carry through to the stick which worked well.
    I have flow N234cv all over the Idaho backcountry. What a blast. 
    I have done the same with my MK4. Between the model B and the MK4 I have accumulated a little over 4,000 hours of great fun.
    I have heard that someone has bought the rights to Avid and will be producing kits in Iowa, but so far it seems not much progress.
    I am currently removing my 1750 hour Gen 2 Jabiru engine and replacing it with the Gen 4 2200.
    The earlier engines had a robust bottom end, but the top end had some valve and rocker lubrication issues.
    Can't wait to see the final finish on your plane.
    John M
     
     
    • 0


  15. skypics added a post in a topic Avid high camber wing modifications   

    WOW!
    It was very surprising to see my Avid Model B N234cv in Canada.
    I totaled this aircraft on a particularly challenging backcountry strip in the High Sierras. It was not a ground loop.
    I'd like to offer some corrections to your commentary with the video.
    I agree that the tanks can not take ethanol type auto fuel due to the resin type, but there are many issues with ethanol that prevented me from using is such as phase separation and carb icing at a higher ambient temperature to mention a few.
    The tanks are not 10 gallons, but 14-gallon capacity which was plenty for the Jabiru 2200 I was using. With the engine leaned out I could fly 10 hours straight with the exception of my bladder capacity.
    I sold the wreckage to a person at Whitman Field here in SoCal for a mere $995. That saved me having to scrap it out.
    AVEMCO totaled it due to the frame bending at the steel rods up in the top of the cockpit.
    I replaced it with an Avid MK 4 which has the extra legroom I enjoy. 
    You will notice a lack of legroom and poor clearance between the top of the pedals and the firewall crossbar. This can be an issue when your toe hits the top bar when trying to avoid a ground loop.
    The under chamber was not designed for speed but for a low stall. My friend has an Avid with the flat bottom wings and he cruises a bit faster than me, but also stalls at a higher speed. 
    I am looking forward to seeing your progress on my old friend.
    John M
     
     
    • 1


  16. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru 2200 CHT   

    Jim:
    RE: CHTs
    I monitor all EGTs and CHTs.
    EGTs tell what is happening in your engine NOW. CHTs tell how those readings are affecting your engine over time.
    CHTs will tell you how much stress the engine is under.
    RE: Mixture control
    The ability to adjust mixture via Hackman-type device allows you to reduce fuel burn and CHTs at altitude.
    Example: On my Jabiru 2200 powered Avid Flyer at 7500 MSL rich burn is 3.5 GPH at 2850 RPM. After leaning fuel burn is 2.5 GPH. Engine runs cleaner and more efficiently.
    The Bing carb does not lean efficiently but it does lean a bit.
    John M
     
    • 0


  17. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru Mount   

    Lucky you. You are looking for a mount and I am selling one.
    I am selling my Avid model b, c, and MK4 mount since I am getting a new Jab 2200 and the top two mounts on the new Gen 4 have been moved up 15 mm.
    I believe this mount fits early Kitfoxes. I can provide dimensions if you are interested.
    $195.00 plus shipping from Southern California will take it.
     
    John M
     
    • 0


  18. skypics added a topic in Avid Model IV   

    Avid to Jabiru Engine Mount for Sale
    I have ordered a Gen 4 Jabiru 2200 and new engine mount since the regular engine Avid Flyer mount does not fit the new Gen 4 engine. So I am selling the Avid to Jabiru motor mount. $295 will take it. Or you pay to ship and buy it for a mere $199.00.
    Also selling my 2200 with 700 hours STOH. It had a stuck hyd lifter that caused some wear on the #1 exhaust cam lobe. 
    I have replaced the lifter and valve and it has been running strong for 8 hours since. I will fly it until my new engine arrives the end of May.
    Those interested who live near Corona, Ca Airport (KAJO) can see a demo.
    A new cam is around $1K or I understand there are people that can rebuild that lobe.
    Make a reasonable offer.
    John M
    • 1 reply
    • 706 views


  19. skypics added a post in a topic YAMAHA RX-1 (140 HP) install in Kitfox 5   

    What is the weight of the Yamaha? 
    If too heavy (200+) you will most likely need to balance out with weight on the tail.
    A friend put a Subaru on his MK4 and had to add weight at the tail wheel to prevent it from being too nose heavy.
    John M
    • 0


  20. skypics added a topic in Rotax and other engines   

    Jabiru Engines
     
    I think I have posted about this before, but it needs repeating.
     
    I have pulled the heads on my Jabiru 2200 several times and each time I have had this problem.
     
    The hydraulic lifters on the pulled head do not relax after reinstalling the head.
     
    This causes the valves, sometime only one, but many times both to be partially opened.
     
    You will be able to see this by comparing the position of the valves on the head you didn't work on. They will not be as far out and near the edge of the rocker box edge as the untouched head. 
     
    So when you turn the prop by hand you will find one cylinder with no compression. If the intake valve is held open too, you may see one of the other cylinders with no compression because of lack of vacuum.
     
    If this happens you have a couple choices:
     
    A) remove the head again and pull the lifters and soak them to get all the oil out. You should be able to compress them when they are clean.
     
    B) Start the engine and let it run roughly until the oil temperature builds. This can take 5-10 minutes. You should see the EGT start to build on the soft cylinder and then after the oil is heat soaked the hyd lifters will relax and the engine will smooth out.
     
    C) Turn the engine until one of the valves is open and leave it compressed for several minutes. This will usually allow the lifter to bleed down.
     
    John M
    • 6 replies
    • 1,418 views


  21. skypics added a post in a topic YAMAHA RX-1 (140 HP) install in Kitfox 5   

    What is the weight of the Yamahopper?
    John M
    • 0


  22. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru Engines   

    I have been notified that my Gen 4 2200 Jabiru engine is almost ready to ship from Aussie Land.
    Decided to buy a new mount that fits the new jab mounts for my Avid Flyer.
    The mount is $895 and the UPS shipping will be another $190. Costs are slowly mounting for this engine change.
    I suspect the top mounts of the mounting plate on the back of the engine were moved 15 mm up to clear the larger jugs.
    I was hoping to get the engine installed and tested for at least 5 hours before flying to the Idaho backcountry strips in mid-June. May not make it.
    So $14,900 for the engine. $895 for the mount and $190 for mount shipping and most likely $200 for truck shipment of the engine. $16,185. OUCH!
    • 0


  23. skypics added a post in a topic 2 stroke oil source   

    When I drove a Rotax 582 I used NEO Synthetic oil produced here in Long Beach California.
    It cost twice as much as Penzoil oil, but at 100:1 ratio I used half as much oil. 
    This gave more power since the mix is more gas and less oil.
    When I took my engine in for a top overhaul at 500-600 hours my mechanic was amazed at how clean the pistons were and became a dealer.
    John M 
    • 0


  24. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru Mount   

    Can't bend it up 15mm and put all that preload stress on it.
    I have ordered the new mount.
    There are two possible reasons that they raised the top mounts.
    A) They don't need to stock two different mounts for the 3300 and 2200. 
    B) The new cylinders are larger and crowd the top mounts.
    John M
    • 0


  25. skypics added a post in a topic Jabiru to Avid Flyer Engine Mount.   

    Allen:
     
    That's funny!!!
    John M
    • 0