First engine start!

 

Completed the first engine start today!  Only one squawk....coolant leak on the top elbow of the #2 cylinder.

So it appears that these are a two piece assembly where the elbow threads into the flange.  The assembly is then sealed to the head by an O'ring.

The straight fine threads on the elbow and the flange are sealed with Loctite 577 from the factory.  Apparently this was not sealed properly or the elbow was turned at the factory breaking the seal.

There is no way that this should have been missed in the test run for over an hour at the factory.  The leak was significant.  It is suppose to take allot of heat and force to unscrew this assembly but I was able to just unscrew it with my hands and no heat.

I have cleaned all the parts and have Loctite 577 arriving Monday.  Will apply and reseal the assembly while clocking the elbow to its original position.  Then it is not to be disturbed for at least 10 hours before reinstall.  I will give it longer than that to cure and then reinstall it and try it again.

Turnbuckle safety clips and starting Emp fairing

 Used this tensiometer to set the cable tension to 45 pounds.

Then installed the safety locking clips on each end of both turnbuckles.  Very important to ensure these are installed per the KAI's!

Then I got started on the work required to fit and install the emp fairing.

Pilot holes are drilled in the inside corners.

Brought these parts back to the house to work on them at home tomorrow.

More aircraft assembly

 

Aircraft assembly

 

Moving day!