Cowling hinge pin

[sf3543]

In working on RVs using hinges for mounting, it’s not uncommon to see unsecured hinge pins.
For the vertical hinges, this method allows for an easy grip and secure mount. Just install an Adel clamp with a longer screw on the motor mount to catch the handle end of the hinge pin.
You could also tie wrap it to the Adel clamp for extra security.
These are on an RV4 in progress but can be done on the other models too.
Hope this helps someone.

 

[RVbySDI]

I have not worked on a 4 but I have built and worked on many other 6, 7, 9, 14s. I have never seen the vertical pins move. Gravity and friction is keeping them in place. Can you enlighten me on the necessity for doing this?

 

[Carl Froehlich]

All cowl hinge pins require a locking method.

On my builds the horizontal cowl hinge is installed/remove via the cockpit and has a locking device in the cockpit. The pin goes over the top of the side pin (on each side) so they are not able to work themselves out. The top cowl pins have a slotted piece of angle on the firewall to hold them

Carl

 

[RVbySDI]

All cowl hinge pins require a locking method.

On my builds the horizontal cowl hinge is installed/remove via the cockpit and has a locking device in the cockpit. The pin goes over the top of the side pin (on each side) so they are not able to work themselves out. The top cowl pins have a slotted piece of angle on the firewall to hold them

Carl

I was not referring to the horizontal hinge pins (as I mentioned the vertical hing pins in my post). My comments were referencing the vertical pins so I asked for clarification from the OP about those pins.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

I was not referring to the horizontal hinge pins (as I mentioned the vertical hing pins in my post). My comments were referencing the vertical pins so I asked for clarification from the OP about those pins.

Yep - the horizontal pins go over the top of the side pins - thus are locked in place.

 

[JonJay]

Never seen the need to do the vertical pins, but hey, if you must, that’s a slick way to do it .

 

[lucas2696]

All cowl hinge pins require a locking method.

On my builds the horizontal cowl hinge is installed/remove via the cockpit and has a locking device in the cockpit. The pin goes over the top of the side pin (on each side) so they are not able to work themselves out. The top cowl pins have a slotted piece of angle on the firewall to hold them

Carl

Carl,

Do you have any pictures of what you’re referring to for the top cowl pins? This is something I need to address on my -6. The right one likes to work itself out over time.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Don’t let perfect, stand in the way of good enough. When installing my cowl pins, I like to chuck the pin up in a drill with a little Boelube. Unlike the rest of the cowl, the vertical pins are easy peasy drop ins and go in first, before fighting with the rest.

I read a bit about a guy using a #4 tap to cut threads in the last eye of the hinge to install a screw to stop the pin from going through. If you’re worried about it, just pinch It with a pair of pliers.

You don’t have to over engeneer everything.

 

[RV6-KPTW]

I have not worked on a 4 but I have built and worked on many other 6, 7, 9, 14s. I have never seen the vertical pins move. Gravity and friction is keeping them in place. Can you enlighten me on the necessity for doing this?

My verticals move up. I safety wire them.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Carl,

Do you have any pictures of what you’re referring to for the top cowl pins? This is something I need to address on my -6. The right one likes to work itself out over time.

I need to do an oil change once the thaw comes and I can get the plane out. I’ll send photos then. Considering the many layers of ice however it might be awhile. The hangar is 100’ from the house but I cannot get there without ending up on the ground in a very few steps.

DM me your email address..
Carl

 

[Stevea]

All cowl hinge pins require a locking method.

I'm with Carl. If you do not want anything to move, secure it. The "it" here can refer to anything on the airplane: hinge pins, wire bundles, hoses, ducts, etc.

My solutions for dealing with the cowl hinge pins on a 6. The same ideas would probably work on the 4, 7, 8, 9 with some modification to fit.

From left to right:
1. cowl top and bottom side seam pins
2. bottom cowl side to firewall
3. top cowl to firewall (access through the oil door)
4.bottom of lower cowl to firewall.

 

[sf3543]

In working on RVs using hinges for mounting, it’s not uncommon to see unsecured hinge pins.
For the vertical hinges, this method allows for an easy grip and secure mount. Just install an Adel clamp with a longer screw on the motor mount to catch the handle end of the hinge pin.
You could also tie wrap it to the Adel clamp for extra security.
These are on an RV4 in progress but can be done on the other models too.
Hope this helps someone.

In reference to some of the above posts:
I posted to provide a tip as to how I like to install the vertical hinge pins. There are many ways to do it and most are acceptable.
I have seen quite a few of the vertical pins working up and rubbing on things. It just depends on the installation. Some are just straight pins pushed in with no bend on the end. I’ve seen it all especially on older planes.
For the RV models that have cowling cheeks, the horizontal wire will not lock in the vertical ones. Also, planes with screws along the horizontal line and hinges on the vertical won’t necessarily lock them down either.
Not requiring a tool to remove them is a plus, if you are stuck somewhere with limited tools so I try to plan ahead on all of the hinge installations.
I agree all of them should have some locking mechanism.
If you have a method you like, then you should post it as a tip, too! There’s many ways to skin a cat.

 

[Av8torTom]

I have not worked on a 4 but I have built and worked on many other 6, 7, 9, 14s. I have never seen the vertical pins move. Gravity and friction is keeping them in place. Can you enlighten me on the necessity for doing this?

Oddly one of my vertical hinge pins rose about 4 inches the other day. Only noticed it when I removed the cowl for my condition inspection.

 

[RV-9erA]

I have locking devices on all of my cowling pins except for the lower cowling vertical pins, but they have stayed in-place for over 21-years and many hours of flying. I believe I followed Vans instructions on how to lock the pins down. However, there was no mention of the lower cowling vertical pins, and they seems fine to me. But, it seems that they couldn't go very far without bumping into the top cowling or top cowling hinges.