[Wing] Fw: Wing digest, Vol 1 #144 - 1 msg

[Ernest Kells]

Hello, Bob:   Yes.  I am building an RV-9A with the O-235.  AND yes Vans
gives great service - but only if you have an O-320 or O-360.

>>I have completed my 9A  (C-FRVC)  and had the final inspection last week,
its at Boundary Bay airport. <<

Congrats.  Where are you? I am in Sault Ste. Marie, ON  at the bottom of
Lake Superior.  If possible I would like to see your project - however this
is a big country.

>> I have the 0-290.D2  with high comp pistons and electronic ignition
(Lightspeed Engineering).   I have had to do quite a bit of re-enginnering
of the carb heater box due to the fact that on the 0-290, the carb is placed
quite a bit back on the sump,  I  think the 0-235> is the same,  Vans have
been no help at all in solving this dilemma,  <<

I talked to Vans about this.  They said that it was different but would be
"easy" to fix.  I ordered the Fab Air Box for the O-320.  They said that all
I had to do was order a piece of .063,  use the flat plate from the kit as a
template for the holes - and cut the carb hole differently when fitting,
then return the O-320 part for refund.  Everything else would be the same ?
? ?   We'll See ! ! !

>> .... also the baffles do not fit and have to be re cut,  Vans says that
they only support the 0-320 even though the advertise the 9 as been suitable
for the 0-235, 0-290,and 0-320.....<<

Vans suggested that I buy a baffle set out of a Cessna C-150 (same engine),
then use it directly or as a template.  He said that it would fit around the
cylinders (the hard part) then I would extend the baffles to fit the cowling
(the easy part).  I have called a few engine shops without luck - so far.  A
friend locally offerred to lend me his O-235 baffle to be used as a
template.  He doesn't fly it in winter.  I'll probably have to take his
wonderful offer.  BTW:  Vans said that the $7.00 Plans Only isn't viable -
very old, not well written and pertains to the O-320 anyway.  I decided to
order it anyway, as a parts list, procedure, etc.  If it is a piece of junk
I'll return it.  PERHAPS I could use the full size (???) drawings to trace
the shapes onto a thin Formica sheet, then fit it on the engine for final
adjustments pertaining to the O-235 and the RV-9A.  Then transfer the
dimensions to the aluminum for final cutting.   Note: I have been known to
be naive in other matters.

One last area of difference.  My engine flange is an SAE#1 - 6" flange with
3/8" holes.  Vans could not supply the proper crush plate or the 2 1/4" prop
extension.  Although there are work-arounds that could work I ended up
ordering a different solution from their supplier Saber.  We are talking
about that big thing on front spinning around at close to the speed of
sound! ! !   It will be definitely be much superior - - but much more
expensive.  Such is life.  I am unhappy about the cost - but I REALLY like
the solution.  Saber says that I should delete the harmonic dampener.  I
believe him as their solution will be much more stable.

Happy flying.
Ernest Kells - RV-9A  O235-N2C,  Wood Prop
 Finish Kit 85% Complete