Paul K
Well Known Member
With the weather turned really bad, I decided to take a serious look at my RV7a FWF installation after 80 hours. I typically look everything over at 25 hr oil changes and when in phase one, all the time. These typical inspections look for fluid leaks, loose stuff, and anything that looks out of order. With this inspection, I looked at every wire, hose, cable, bolt, clamp, ect.... A very through looking at. Following is what I found:
First, When I decowled, I noticed some oil dripped or splattered on the lower cowl in the front left corner. Also,there are two rub marks, one I was aware of and one that is new.
The big one on the front is from the snorkel I custom built. I miscalculated the clearance between the two and have known for some time that this was rubbing. I plan to remove the snorkel and rebuild it. The second new rub is at the very bottom of the photo on the right side from an exhause hanger that has moved. Need to take a look at that.
Here is a closer look at the rub and the offending hanger.
Next photo shows the oil on the starter right above the drips. Looks like it might be from the cylinder base? Not sure and will need to look deeper. Can the cylinder bolts be re-torqued?
Next 2 photos are more disturbing, showing blue fuel stains at the spider. Need to research this, know there are SB on these plugs. Any help to send me in the right direction would be appreciated.
Next is a photo of the RV crack! At the oil cooler mount, I already did the Van's recommended doubler and I had installed the recommended brace from the oil cooler to the center case bolt. The baffel still cracked and the brace also cracked at one end. I am replacing the brace with a steel tube and will reinforce the corner. Should I replace the cracked baffle also or is the reinforcement enough. A new baffle piece is only about 11 bucks but it will involve painting etc. (I'm thinking I will)
I also found that the mixture cable had moved and is just starting to rub on the engine mount. I can install a set of Adel clamps to take care of this.
All of my exhaust gaskets are dry except this one. It may be leaking or the source of the very thick black stuff may be from above and just baking on the exhaust. Need to get in there with mirrors and lights.
That is the extent of what I found during this very extensive inspection. I will report the fixes and discoveries when I am done in a week or two.
First, When I decowled, I noticed some oil dripped or splattered on the lower cowl in the front left corner. Also,there are two rub marks, one I was aware of and one that is new.
The big one on the front is from the snorkel I custom built. I miscalculated the clearance between the two and have known for some time that this was rubbing. I plan to remove the snorkel and rebuild it. The second new rub is at the very bottom of the photo on the right side from an exhause hanger that has moved. Need to take a look at that.
Here is a closer look at the rub and the offending hanger.
Next photo shows the oil on the starter right above the drips. Looks like it might be from the cylinder base? Not sure and will need to look deeper. Can the cylinder bolts be re-torqued?
Next 2 photos are more disturbing, showing blue fuel stains at the spider. Need to research this, know there are SB on these plugs. Any help to send me in the right direction would be appreciated.
Next is a photo of the RV crack! At the oil cooler mount, I already did the Van's recommended doubler and I had installed the recommended brace from the oil cooler to the center case bolt. The baffel still cracked and the brace also cracked at one end. I am replacing the brace with a steel tube and will reinforce the corner. Should I replace the cracked baffle also or is the reinforcement enough. A new baffle piece is only about 11 bucks but it will involve painting etc. (I'm thinking I will)
I also found that the mixture cable had moved and is just starting to rub on the engine mount. I can install a set of Adel clamps to take care of this.
All of my exhaust gaskets are dry except this one. It may be leaking or the source of the very thick black stuff may be from above and just baking on the exhaust. Need to get in there with mirrors and lights.
That is the extent of what I found during this very extensive inspection. I will report the fixes and discoveries when I am done in a week or two.
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