Mendlerr
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Everything posted by Mendlerr
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
After speaking with a couple of rotax engine builders I was convinced to call Lockwood aero and get their oil injection delete kit(not on their website). It was $17 bucks and some shipping. I was also advised by them to use a 40:1 mixture instead of the factory listed 50:1. Apparently testing has showed that it help the lower bearings and low throttle setting lubrication.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic North Carolina
I wish I could get down there but NC is a big state and the northern coast is about 9 hours drive for me and the kitfox is still grounded.
It's a beatiful area though, I especially love Billy Graham and Okracroke airport south a bit on the outer banks.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic North Carolina
where at in NC? You may be close to me, I'd love to take a look at some other fox's
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
the oil bath seeping oil is due to a lower seal, I had it looked at and was told it would be no issue. when the engine is under load and warmed up it seeps no oil, only once it cools down and sits on the tail for a few nights. I was told as long as the level is checked before each flight I should have no issues.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
there is no oil in the coolant or vice versa. thank you for the very informative post as i am still a newb to 2-strokes.
I am getting a 50/50 reaction asking friends and airport bums that run 2-strokes and 4-strokes regarding premixing and injection. I hear good and bad arguments for both. in my mind premixing is the way to go. but tell me what you guys think.
any good source for those cables?
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
The dial is for the mikuni fuel pump. I'm not sure what it should be flowing, I've only used it to start the engine. I haven't needed to use it in flight
I found some issues when i pulled the carbs off a few hours ago.
For starters, the oil injection is setup wrong. At idle (3,000rpms) or with the throttle completely closed, the alignment marks are completely off.
The cable which actuates the lever is way too short and has no more adjustment to it. Hence the lever alignment marks not aligning properly.
The oil injection lever does not move smoothly and it will not return to the idle position on it's own, it requires manually nudging it with your finger to return it to the idle setting. The return spring has very little tension to it.
Pulled the plugs out, they arent horrible yet but they have around 3 hours on them and have some signs of fouling, probably because the engine is getting way too much oil.
This is the injection lever at full idle cutoff. The alignment marks are off. When the throttle is set to actual idle of 3,000RPMS this mark is way off.
Here is the linkage at full throttle, it hits the cable mount slightly, it will not return to idle completely when I pull the throttle back.
Here is a plug I pulled after idling, taxing and doing a runup to 6,200RPM's
Fuel pump adjustment, wish I had some more info on what the settings are.
This is the oil bath level after I leave the airplane alone overnight. I have to top it off before I start the engine each day. If I run the engine it doesn't affect the level, only when the engine is cold and has been sitting for a day or two.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
Does anyone know of a good tailwheel CFI in the mountains of Western NC or Eastern TN?
My normal go to guy ole Johnny White is out of town for the rest of the month and no one else fly's tailwheels anymore. It sucks. I'm the only tailwheel aircraft on the airfield other then a Maule Orion.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
No they actually use a standard small bulb, like an automotive interior bulb so they arent the brightest but they do work.
After searching I have found no clear articles on VG's and Kitfox's. I think I may experiment some and use my Contour cameras to record the data.
So I'm holding off on installing the VG's and I'm going to do some testing on the upper and lower surface of the wing and flaperon.
It will be a few months though, so don't hold your breath for too long
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
What are the round objects above the IP, with a tube? running down each side?
Ed in MO
They are backup emergency panel lights, the are flexible and run on watch batteries. They actually work quite well.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
If I am reading those articles correctly you install the VG's at 4" centers just behind the leading edge on the bottom of the wing.
I may give this a try. I atleast want to test the airflow over and under the wing with my cameras and the good ole string and tape method.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
I did read a little about that. I got enough VG's for the wing and the tail. If I could bump my cruise 10mph I would be ecstatic!
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
im runnig foreflight and ive been eyeing the new stratus 2 that just came out. I'm already paying the subscription, might as well get the ADS-B IN
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
yea good thinking. I guess the instruments work, I'm not looking to do anything anytime soon.
I already have StolSpeed VG's to install and I just want to fly!
I can't find a local tailwheel instructor
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
nope and i intend on replacing the venturi on the side by replacing the gyro instruments with all electric. Should save some weight and some clutter. The gyro instruments only work once you take off and get close to cruise, haha.
I figure with a compass, a DG, LORAN GPS, WAAS GPS and an EFB I'm gonna have a hard time getting lost.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
Here are some quick pics, I keep forgetting to take some when I'm at the airport.
My StolSpeed VG's showed up today. I'd also like to remove the oil injection system, I'm having some small issues with it.
Any advice on how to remove it? I have no information available in my manuals on how the system is installed and I have not taken a really close look at it yet
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
I ordered some stol speed vg's and I think I'm going to order strut speed cuffs and a gas cap fairing. Perhaps I can give my top speed a lil bump up and it gives me something to look forward to when I get off the road.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
Does anyone have any experience with Murle Williams Aviation? They have some neat parts available
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Model 4 Rudder Pedal Mod
no joke, i paid $0.88 per plate, $2.88 for a box of aluminum riverts and $2.98 for a long roll of anti-skid tape.
the cheapest mod i have ever done to an aircraft before and it really only takes a few minutes, no need to remove the pedals i just drilled and cleco'd them in place them went back with rivets when i was done drilling.
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Model 4 Rudder Pedal Mod
I made a pair of these yesterday, attached them and then covered them in anti skid tape. The airplane is much more controllable while taxing now
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
Another fun fact, with me and full fuel I can pick the tail up to level flight attitude while sitting still. Lots of fun
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
We did install a rubber isolator to attempt to stop the oil leak. I will have to see how it goes
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
unfortunately i have to go on the road for a few days. wont be back until April 14th. Oh and the oil leak is in the rotary valve. Rotax Rick told me it would be no issue, in-fact it is lubicrating the cage bearings better. I just have to top off the oil bath resovoir every couple flights
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
the tailwheel is fine, got the first taxi in yesterday and it seemed to do okay except that the oil bath resovoir is leaking and im not sure how. I pulled it off and cannot find a source of the leak but when i fire up the engine and taxi it around and shut down, the oil bath resovoir is covered in 2-stroke oil and its low.
this is a tricky one. i did install a rubber isolator behind the resovoir thinking that perhaps vibrations were making the oil come out of the vent in the cap. We will see if that helped today
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Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox IV Questions
i will be trailering it to the airport tomorrow morning, i will get some pics of the aircraft and of the tailwheel
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Mendlerr added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar
Kitfox IV QuestionsJust got my new airplane home and had a few questions regarding the tailwheel. When I turn it by hand, even with the tail off the ground, it is incredibly stiff and difficult to manipulate and it really does not want to free swivel. Is this normal? It seems to do fine under normal flying conditions.
I understand that this is a vague description but it takes a good bit of work to the the wheel to release
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