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Trimming baffles

wirejock

Well Known Member
Baffles are rough trimmed to fit with a tiny gap. Maybe 1/8". Next is the final trim to allow for engine movement.
I have a plenum if it makes any difference. I want the maximum air space.
What is the recommended gap?
 
OP40-11

Hi Larry,

Looking at OP40-11, Step 1, it states 3/8" minimum, 1/2" maximum space between baffles and cowl.

The paperclip trick was useful to deetermine this gap.
 
Van's instructions say 3/8" min - 1/2" max between the baffles and the cowl. I made mine my index finger width apart all the way around. That's somewhere in the 1/2"-5/8".
 
I go with 1/2". Some engines really dance around on start up!

In your case, that would be 1/2" from the top plenum cover to the cowl.
So 5/8" ?
 
I go with 1/2". Some engines really dance around on start up!

In your case, that would be 1/2" from the top plenum cover to the cowl.
So 5/8" ?

1/2" Wow! That's not dancing. That's some serious boogie!
I've cut them @ 3/8" so far. Easy fix. Right now, I'm in Frankensnorkel He77!
 
Remember the side baffle panels should be a bit shorter because your glass plenum cover will have some thickness too.
 
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