I think I am closing in on 95% done, 45% to go. But that is progress, and that is awesome!
Problem with the header tank vent, so that is all getting pulled apart. Wings are folded for the extraction of old system and insertion of new. Had to get all the fuel out of the system, including the vent lines (which is the problem...)
Transponder (uAvionix tailBeaconX) was having some issues, and they sent me a new one (even thought it was out of warranty). Great people, great company. Trying to set the new one up and having issues. So another call to uAvionix will be happening soon.
Low point drains and plugs installed in outboard tanks.
Gear leg fairings are progressing. Really enjoying learning how to 3D model.
Need to make a new crossover cable bracket. The aileron crossover cable was JUST rubbing the cage. Easy fix.
Installing the OAT probe. Easy peasy.
New fuel pressure sensor on the way from Kaolin.
Things that are not started...
- Weight and balance
- Fuel flow test (dependant on new header tank vent)
- Fuel tank calibration
- Finish up wingtips
- Full power ground run (tied down)
- POH, paperwork
- Final inspection
- Redo anti servo tab on left wing
- Rig ailerons
- Check main gear toe angle
For the header tank vent... I disgorged the old lines. The big challenge is going to be running a new vent line to the wingtip. Another builder has done this by using one of the relief holes in the nose ribs. Unfortunately I have used both of these from the outboard tank outward.
Thought about using a lightening hole in the nose rib with a large diameter tube and going through that. But that is heavy. Even bought material (and it was heavy).
Then I had the thought that there is a D shaped opening between the nose rib and the nose skin. Found some nylon tube that was the right diameter. We ran a fiberglass rod all the way down the D channel, and then fed the tube through on top of that rod to guide it. We beveled one end and used that to fight our way through the ribs. Easy peasy.
So now I have a path from the inboard to outboard of the wing.
Decisions to be made. One wing, or both? Ran the tubing down both wings in that event. Easy enough to remove and readd later if needed.
Once the vent is plumbed out to the tip, do I merge it in with the exiting vents (prior to the check valve), or T it into the vent after the check valve? That can be changed later easy enough based on testing.
Successful in piecing together all the bends to go around the spar on the left wing and out to the tip.
Next is running the new vent up the A pillar cage tube.
Final wing root layout and material.
Tried to fold the wings to make sure nothing rubbed or pinched. Had to shorted the hose slightly to clear the wing hinge.
Finally after what feels like forever all the vent lines within the cabin have been rerouted and converted. The port wing is pretty much done, now I can start the starboard wing. Waiting for one fitting, then it will come together quickly.
In the interim, working on the final fitting of the wing tips. There is a thin piece inboard of the counterweight that has a big half circle cut in it for the JD airparts vent. It is just going to break, so I cut them off (well one had already broke) and they are screwed to the wing. Going to need a bit of touch up paint.
Finalizing the venting in the tips with the dedicated line coming from the header.
Wing tip finalization... fit nicely with the stupid flap permanently attached.
I was not happy with the rigidity of the vent lines in the tip, so make a bracket to hold everything in place better.
I am not sure whether to have the header tank vent plumbed into the main tank vents, or have it open to the outside. With this bracket I can very easily reconfigure. Will know soon enough. Waiting for one fitting then I can finalize it all.
