Cowl Cut

[SeanB]

Hello,
I am performing the final tasks on my RV-7 engine cowl. I noticed the below drawing that instructs to cut the scalloped area behind the spinner plate at an angle. Van's Tech Support said this helps provide clearance when installing/removing the bottom cowl. I have never seen a plane with this cut in place.

Has anyone made this cut?
Did it help?

Thanks!

[Kyle Boatright]

I’ve done it on both planes. It does help.

[Scott Hersha]

That removed section may interfere with the starter ring gear/bell housing if it isn’t removed. Our cowlings fit pretty tightly to our spinner backplates by design (3/16” - 1/4”). Being able to keep the front nose of that cowl as far aft as possible, while tilting the aft portion of the lower cowl down first for removal, helps a lot.

[SeanB]

Thanks, Guys! Cutting!!!

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Scott Hersha

That removed section may interfere with the starter ring gear/bell housing if it isn’t removed. Our cowlings fit pretty tightly to our spinner backplates by design (3/16” - 1/4”). Being able to keep the front nose of that cowl as far aft as possible, while tilting the aft portion of the lower cowl down first for removal, helps a lot.

It is actually so that the cowl clears the bottom of the spinner more easily. Doesn’t need to be dropped as low before it can move fwd.