---------------------------------------------------------- Kitfox-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 08/16/05: 7 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 02:37 AM - SV: Re: sight gauges (Michel Verheughe) 2. 10:10 AM - Re: Fiberglass tank installation (jdmcbean) 3. 01:01 PM - Re: blade adjustment (kerrjohna@comcast.net) 4. 01:02 PM - Re: SV: Re: sight gauges (kerrjohna@comcast.net) 5. 04:43 PM - Re: Mike do you have a 912 (Michael Gibbs) 6. 04:43 PM - Re: Rotax 912S Water Temps and RPM - 4 LowellRotax (Michael Gibbs) 7. 05:45 PM - Re: SV: Re: sight gauges (James Shumaker) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:37:34 AM PST US From: Michel Verheughe Subject: SV: Kitfox-List: Re: sight gauges --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe > From: James Shumaker [jimshumaker@sbcglobal.net] > I found that those little white diode flashlights that are about the size of a quarter Thanks Jim. I also have a tiny flashlight as the keyholder of my Kitfox's start key. I can use it do check the wing tanks in the dark, of course. But I thought you guys were talking about something you inserted in the sight gauges. I was wondering what it was and how to get it in such a remote place as Norway. Was I wrong to think that it was a kind of floating ball, the size of the gauge? Cheers, Michel do not archive ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 10:10:56 AM PST US From: "jdmcbean" Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: Fiberglass tank installation --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "jdmcbean" John, Right tank will have 4 holes. Bottom is the outlet, top is the vent and the other 2 are for the sight gauge. Left tank has 3 holes.. no vent. Hope that helps.. if not contact me off list I can fax you a diagram. Fly Safe !! John & Debra McBean www.sportplanellc.com "The Sky is not the Limit... It's a Playground" -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John Bergen Subject: Kitfox-List: Fiberglass tank installation --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "John Bergen" I'm installing fiberglass tanks in a series three that used to have aluminum tanks. Skystar was kind enough to send me most of the parts to install but no instructions. They have also proven to be impossible to contact on the issue. I have two tanks, some plumbing, two tubes of sealant and a handful of stainless pop rivets. Each tank has three holes on the inboard sides. Anyone able to help me decipher how to install them and what the extra holes on the inboard sides of the tank are for? I'm guessing sight gage. Thanks in advance. ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 01:01:46 PM PST US From: kerrjohna@comcast.net Subject: RE: Kitfox-List: blade adjustment --> Kitfox-List message posted by: kerrjohna@comcast.net Harbor Freight has a great little laser/level for $19.95 I think that is ideal for the kind of precision we are talking about. Use the propeller manufacturer provided guage to get the approximate static rate desired then use the laser or digital it insure that all the blades have the same pitch. -------------- Original message -------------- > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" > > I made my cradle for the laser by first making a rough fit on the blade by > cutting the prop profile into a 2X4 on a band saw. Then I put some saran > wrap over the blade and some bondo in the profile on the 2X4 and then > pressed it on the blade. After the bondo sets, take it off and peel the > saran wrap off and it fits the same every time. I did use some fingernail > polish to mark the blade the same distance from the hub so it is in the same > place each time. I mounted the laser so it points down to the floor. > Initially I used a level on the blade to make it perfectly horizontal before > I put the laser on it, but I finally realized that if you have a line on the > floor parallel to the fuselage, the prop will always be in the same position > if the laser mark is anywhere on the line. > > A little trig will show that an eighth of an inch is equal to an eighth of a > degree this way. If you put the prop straight up and down and aim the laser > for the hangar wall, precision will go way up. I think the eighth of an > inch is adequate. > > I am sure that I got this from this list at some point in time. > > Randy - Series 5/7 912S - lovin' it! > > . > > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Clifford > Begnaud > To: kitfox-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" > > > John, > No, the cradle that I had would slide up the blade about 6-8". I really > didn't care what the actual angle was, I was only concerned with getting the > > blades set so that the engine turned a certain desired static RPM. Then I > wanted to get all blades set exactly the same. I have no idea at what angle > my blades were set, and couldn't care less. > Cliff > > > > You measure the blade angle at the tip Clifford?? John A. > > > > > > From: "Clifford Begnaud" > > To: > > Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing > > Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:13:37 -0600 > > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" > > > > > > > > I've never used a laser, I used a digital level, about $100. But I use it > > for many other things. You could probably go to any hardware store and > > find > > a cheap laser. The trick with either of these is to build a cradle that > > fits > > on the prop blade and holds the laser or digital level. I made mine out of > > wood, and it was just a cradle that had 3 contact points and would slide > > up > > the prop blade. It allowed repeatabilty and stopped at the same spot on > > each > > blade. The 3 contact points had a small groove that fit the edge of the > > prop > > blade. > > I no longer have that plane or prop and the cradle went with it, so I > > can't > > even take a picture of it for you. But I'm sure you can figure out > > something that will work. Just make sure it allows precision and > > repeatabilty. > > Cliff > > > >> > >> > >>Cliff, > >>Where can I by one of those lasers? I have never liked the bubble deal on > >>my Warp Drive. Are they expensive? Thanks, Jeff Puls 912UL > >> > >> > >>>[Original Message] > >>>From: Clifford Begnaud > >>>To: > >>>Date: 8/15/2005 12:05:20 PM > >>>Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing > >>> > >>>--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" > >> > >>> > >>>I forgot to add.... > >>>Use a digital level or a laser to set the pitch of the blades, if they > >>are > >>>individually adjustable like the warp drive prop. With the little bubble > >>>level that comes with the warp drive, they claim only 1/4 degree > >>accuracy. > >>>With a digital level you can get 1/10 degree accuracy and with a laser > >>you > >>>can probably do that or better, if that's even possible. > >>>With these 3 things, carb sync, blade indexing and blade pitch, you can > >>make > >>>your Rotax 912 feel like flying behind a turbine. > >>>Cliff > >>> > >>> > Another thing that can help keep your engine running smooth is blade > >>> > alignment. > >>> > Rotate the blades by hand indexing them against a stationary object. > >>Make > >>> > sure the distance from the stationary object is the same when you move > >>> > each > >>> > blade past it. Try to get them within 1/8". You can adjust this by > >>putting > >>> > very thin shims behind the prop hub. > >>> > Cliff > >>> > > >>> >> > >>> >> I originally followed some published procedures to manually sync the > >>> >> carbs > >>> >> on my 912S by adjusting the throttle cable lengths. After reviewing > >>> >> a > >>> >> DVD > >>> >> on 912 installation tips from HomeBuilderHelp.com...I determined that > >>> >> syncing using a vacuum gage was pretty straightforward. With the > >>gages > >>> >> in place, I was surprised how out of sync my carbs were. After I > >>sycned > >>> >> them..the engine was noticeably smoother in the 3000 - 5000 > >>range...and > >>> >> at > >>> >> idle. I think the CHT temps dropped a bit too. If you have not done > >>> >> this > >>> >> yet, I would highly recommend it. Caution..standing behind the prop > >>> >> adjusting the throttle cable lengths will mess up your hair. Make > >>> >> sure > >>> >> you have someone sitting in the cockpit, and the tail is tied down > >>well. > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> Gary Walsh > >>> >> C-GOOT > >>> >> www.decisionlabs.com/kitfox > >>> >> > >>> >> do not archive > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> >> > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > Harbor Freight has a great little laser/level for $19.95 I think that is ideal for the kind of precision we are talking about. Use the propeller manufacturer provided guage to get the approximate static rate desired then use the laser or digital it insure that all the blades have the same pitch. -------------- Original message -------------- -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Randy Daughenbaugh" I made my cradle for the laser by first making a rough fit on the blade by cutting the prop profile into a 2X4 on a band saw. Then I put some saran wrap over the blade and some bondo in the profile on the 2X4 and then pressed it on the blade. After the bondo sets, take it off and peel the saran wrap off and it fits the same every time. I did use some fingernail polish to mark the blade the same distance from the hub so it is in the same place each time. I mounted the laser so it points down to the floor. Initially I used a level on the blade to make it perfectly horizontal before I put the laser on it, but I finally realized that if you have a line on the > ; floor parallel to the fuselage, the prop will always be in the same position if the laser mark is anywhere on the line. A little trig will show that an eighth of an inch is equal to an eighth of a degree this way. If you put the prop straight up and down and aim the laser for the hangar wall, precision will go way up. I think the eighth of an inch is adequate. I am sure that I got this from this list at some point in time. Randy - Series 5/7 912S - lovin' it! . -----Original Message----- From: owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Clifford Begnaud To: kitfox-list@matronics.com Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" John, No, the cradle that I had would slide up the blade about 6-8". I really didn't care what the actual angle was, I was only concerned with getting the blades set so that the engine turned a certain desired static RPM. Then I wanted to get all blades set exactly the same. I have no idea at what angle my blades were set, and couldn't care less. Cliff You measure the blade angle at the tip Clifford?? John A. From: "Clifford Begnaud" To: Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:13:37 -0600 -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" I've never used a laser, I used a digital l evel, about $100. But I use it for many other things. You could probably go to any hardware store and find a cheap laser. The trick with either of these is to build a cradle that fits on the prop blade and holds the laser or digital level. I made mine out of wood, and it was just a cradle that had 3 contact points and would slide up the prop blade. It allowed repeatabilty and stopped at the same spot on each blade. The 3 contact points had a small groove that fit the edge of the prop blade. I no longer have that plane or prop and the cradle went with it, so I can't even take a picture of it for you. But I'm sure you can figure out something that will work. Just make sure it allows precision and repeatabilty. Cliff Cliff, Where can I by one of those lasers? I have never liked the bubble deal on my Warp Drive. Are they expensive? Thanks, Jeff Puls 912UL [Original Message] From: Clifford Begnaud To: Date: 8/15/2005 12:05:20 PM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912 series carb syncing -- Kitfox-List message posted by: "Clifford Begnaud" I forgot to add.... Use a digital level or a laser to set the pitch of the blades, if they are individually adjustable like the warp drive prop. With the little bubble &g t;level that comes with the warp drive, they claim only 1/4 degree accuracy. With a digital level you can get 1/10 degree accuracy and with a laser you can probably do that or better, if that's even possible. With these 3 things, carb sync, blade indexing and blade pitch, you can make your Rotax 912 feel like flying behind a turbine. Cliff Another thing that can help keep your engine running smooth is blade alignment. Rotate the blades by hand indexing them against a stationary object. Make sure the distance from the stationary object is the same when you move each blade past it. Try to get them within 1/8". You can adjust t his by putting very thin shims behind the prop hub. Cliff I originally followed some published procedures to manually sync the carbs on my 912S by adjusting the throttle cable lengths. After reviewing a DVD on 912 installation tips from HomeBuilderHelp.com...I determined that syncing using a vacuum gage was pretty straightforward. With the gages in place, I was surprised how out of sync my carbs were. After I sycned them..the engine was noticeably smoother in the 3000 - 5000 range...and at this yet, I would highly recommend it. Caution..standing behind the prop adjusting the throttle cable lengths will mess up your hair. Make sure you have someone sitting in the cockpit, and the tail is tied down well. Gary Walsh C-GOOT www.decisionlabs.com/kitfox do not archive ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 01:02:44 PM PST US From: kerrjohna@comcast.net Subject: Re: SV: Kitfox-List: Re: sight gauges --> Kitfox-List message posted by: kerrjohna@comcast.net john macbean has the placards that fit behind the sight tubes. -------------- Original message -------------- > --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe > > > From: James Shumaker [jimshumaker@sbcglobal.net] > > I found that those little white diode flashlights that are about the size of a > quarter > > Thanks Jim. I also have a tiny flashlight as the keyholder of my Kitfox's start > key. I can use it do check the wing tanks in the dark, of course. > > But I thought you guys were talking about something you inserted in the sight > gauges. I was wondering what it was and how to get it in such a remote place as > Norway. > Was I wrong to think that it was a kind of floating ball, the size of the gauge? > > Cheers, > Michel > > do not archive > > > > > > john macbean has the placards that fit behind the sight tubes. -------------- Original message -------------- -- Kitfox-List message posted by: Michel Verheughe From: James Shumaker [jimshumaker@sbcglobal.net] I found that those little white diode flashlights that are about the size of a quarter Thanks Jim. I also have a tiny flashlight as the keyholder of my Kitfox's start key. I can use it do check the wing tanks in the dark, of course. But I thought you guys were talking about something you inserted in the sight gauges. I was wondering what it was and how to get it in such a remote place as Norway. Was I wrong to think that it was a kind of floating ball, the size of the gauge? Cheers, Michel do not archive ========================================== ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 04:43:51 PM PST US From: Michael Gibbs Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Mike do you have a 912 --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs Hi Robert, Engine: Rotax 912 ULS with slipper clutch Prop: Ivo medium (3 blade) in-flight adjustable Airframe: Kitfox Model IV-1200 Speedster custom welded for tricycle gear Wings: Clipped to Speedster length (29' span) >Mike do you have a Rotax 912 on your plane? > >Robert > >Performance is engineered. My Model IV-1200 Speedster came in at... ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 04:43:52 PM PST US From: Michael Gibbs 912S Water Temps and RPM Subject: Re: Kitfox-List: Rotax 912S Water Temps and RPM - 4 LowellRotax 912S Water Temps and RPM --> Kitfox-List message posted by: Michael Gibbs 912S Water Temps and RPM >I talked to another guy running the 912S on an anphib Kitfox. He >indicated he regularly idles at 1450 rpm...otherwise he moves >through the water too fast. What kind of idle to you normally use on >the ground? I'd idle my 912S w/slipper clutch + Ivo medium in-flight adjustable prop at 1400 as normal procedure. It ran smooth and happy there as far as I could tell. The carbs were balanced with vacuum gauges, not eye-balled. Mike G. N728KF ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 05:45:17 PM PST US From: James Shumaker Subject: Re: SV: Kitfox-List: Re: sight gauges --> Kitfox-List message posted by: James Shumaker Hi Michel I use a background of diagonal lines that helps show the level due to the difference in refractive index between an empty and a full line. The WD40 spout in the tube sounds like a great idea. Jim Shumaker Michel Verheughe wrote: