Category: Firewall Forward

Last night’s task was installing the air filter assembly. I had to make a few modification when fitting the two manifold absolute pressure sensors to the filter housing:...

I completed most of the engine oil lines in early November but when I started to build the oil radiator supply line I discovered that the fittings I had for the oil tank and for the oil pump were the wrong size. A visit to the illustrated parts manual...

I built up the oil hoses that connect between the engine oil returns and the oil tank. Per the build manual, these hoses are to be covered with a heat shield, and then secured with lock wire. I briefly talked about the heat shield with Shawn during a recent...

For the first major task following mounting of the engine, I began installation of the fuel lines. I thought this would be pretty easy, but it took two full days and I learned a few things. At first I was going to use aluminum tubing, much like I did...

I consider this a big milestone, but it wound up being pretty easy to mount the engine. The engine is attached with just four rather large M10 bolts. I purchased a second-hand Harbor Freight engine crane for $100, and a new load leveler bar for $40. Not too bad,...

I wrapped up a productive weekend with attachment of the major engine accessories to the firewall: oil reservoir, voltage regulator, main battery, fusebox, shunt, fuel pump assembly, gascolator, and fuel lines. This work is much easier to do before the engine is attached. I am placing a DC contactor...

I was about to spray adhesive for the Thermotec insulation I chose for the firewall, when suddenly I questioned how well it would insulate the cabin from engine heat (and noise). So, I performed a short test using 4” square test pieces of 26 ga. galvanized steel: one bare...

In light of my last post regarding the heat barrier, I realized I made a mistake in materiel choice for the patches I made for the firewall. I used aluminum sheet stock, whereas I should have used galvanized steel to match the material of the firewall. Aluminum melts at...

This kit uses a sheet of galvanized steel as the firewall and is further covered by a heat barrier to insulate the cabin from the engine heat (and noise). The galvanized steel is good as a fire protectant (per FAR 23.1191), however, I have seen several other builders dismiss...

One minor issue with my engine was that it came from the factory fitted with an optional cooling baffle. This baffle is primarily for installation in an aircraft with a pusher prop configuration, but since my plane is tractor config, I need to remove the baffle to ensure proper...