---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 07/22/03: 28 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:15 AM - Spiderwebs & strainers (Richard Pike) 2. 06:44 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (John Hauck) 3. 07:14 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Richard Pike) 4. 08:23 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Don Gherardini) 5. 09:06 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers () 6. 09:21 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (John Hauck) 7. 11:03 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Richard Pike) 8. 11:04 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Eugene Zimmerman) 9. 11:14 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Eugene Zimmerman) 10. 11:40 AM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Bob Bean) 11. 12:01 PM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (John Hauck) 12. 12:52 PM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Don Gherardini) 13. 12:58 PM - Bernoulli Bunk (Bob N.) 14. 01:41 PM - Throttle & Choke 90's (Mike Pierzina) 15. 02:30 PM - 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL (Jack & Louise Hart) 16. 02:35 PM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (DAquaNut@aol.com) 17. 03:34 PM - Re: 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL (John Hauck) 18. 04:03 PM - kolb firefly (June Daum) 19. 04:38 PM - Re: kolb firefly (Jack & Louise Hart) 20. 05:02 PM - Re: Bernoulli Bunk (Beauford Tuton) 21. 05:43 PM - Re: Brake problem (Daniel Walter) 22. 05:49 PM - Re: kolb firefly (Bruce McElhoe) 23. 06:37 PM - Re: Spiderwebs & strainers (Richard Pike) 24. 07:54 PM - Re: 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL (ul15rhb@juno.com) 25. 07:58 PM - Re: Michigans Thumb (Larry Bourne) 26. 07:59 PM - Re: Trip from Minnesota to Houston (Larry Bourne) 27. 08:02 PM - Trip (Larry Bourne) 28. 08:56 PM - Re: kolb firefly (jerb) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:15:27 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike Anybody on the list ever though about the need for a finger strainer in the oil injection tank? Well, I'm putting one in mine. Here's why... Will Tatham, one of our listers stopped by last Tuesday, we talked Kolbs for a while and then went flying. Had a good time. Took my daughter flying later that evening, we were approaching an RC model airplane strip about ten miles south and the engine seized. Landed w/o incident and trailered it out Wednesday morning. (Sorry Will, I guess it just wasn't your day to have an adrenaline rush...) The line from the oil tank to the oil injection pump had air in it, removed the oil injection tank and it wouldn't drain. Dumped the oil out and found a large gooey mass in it, turned out to be a spider web cocoon. Swollen with oil, it was about as long and big around as my finger. With the oil squeezed out of it, it was about 1/10 that size. Apparently it had been hidden off in a corner of the tank when I got it, and it had resisted rinsing out with gasoline, blowing out with an air hose, but eventually turned loose after several week's saturation in oil. And when it found it's way to the oil orifice, it totally blocked 3 quarts of oil from flowing out the tube. Wouldn't even drip. Anyway, the mag end cylinder is at the machine shop, will know tomorrow whether I can go back with a stock piston or first oversize. Rest of the 582 insides still look new. Should be back in the air sometime next week. With a strainer over the oil port in the tank, which is one of the reasons why I am posting this otherwise unlikely event to the list, just to alert others to the possible need to put a strainer over the oil tank pickup hole. I have never heard of anyone else having any oil line blockages, but I guess a bug or anything else could cause a similar problem. The other reason for putting this on the list is because it gives this old preacher a chance to brag on my Boss, the Jewish Carpenter. My fault for using an old used tank with it's hidden problem, but His grace let my engine blow at the best of all possible times and places. The previous flight before I took Will up had been to give a local newspaper reporter her first flight. Wouldn't that have been a nice story for the paper? And the next scheduled flight was to give EAA Young Eagles rides on Saturday morning. Another nasty media event avoided. And then the engine "just happened" to blow 1/2 mile off the approach end of a 500' long strip I "just happened" to already be lined up with. Where helpful people assisted to secure the airplane, lock the place up overnight, and take us home. The thunderstorms Wednesday noontime didn't start until after the airplane was safely back in the garage. What are the odds? I realize that some of the "heatherns" on the list (that's how we say it in East Tennessee...) will roll their eyes, shake their heads and question my intelligence, but I prefer to acknowledge that when it gets that good it ain't coincidence and it ain't luck, let's just give credit where credit is due. Thanks again, Sir Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:44:05 AM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > Anybody on the list ever though about the need for a finger strainer in the > oil injection tank? Well, I'm putting one in mine. Here's why... > I realize that some of the "heatherns" on the list > Richard Pike Richard/All: Glad you made it. You have been having your share of "wakeups". You mentioned the cylinder was in the shop and waiting word on whether an oversize piston was going to be required. But.....you didn't mention if you were going to go with two. I am assuming you will go with two if an oversize is called for. Also, do you think you might have some damage to crank bearings from oil starvation? Hope we don't have any "heathens" on the List, but one never knows. Last but not least, your previous post should be archived, per chance it will save some other unsuspecting soul the same problem you have experienced. Take care, john h ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:14:53 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike At 08:43 AM 7/22/03 -0500, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > > >You mentioned the cylinder was in the shop and >waiting word on whether an oversize piston was >going to be required. But.....you didn't mention >if you were going to go with two. I am assuming >you will go with two if an oversize is called >for. The Rotax dealer I bought the engine from said that it was permissible to have one cylinder at standard and one at first over, or one at first over and one at second over, but not one at standard and one at second over. If you know different, let me know now before I button it back up. >Also, do you think you might have some >damage to crank bearings from oil starvation? The crank still had an oil film on it, the wrist pin looked good, the wrist pin bearings normal, no signs of heat anywhere, nothing abnormal at all other than the one piston seized. I think it will be OK, but am open to opinions and suggestions. (Still learning up here in Tennessee...) Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:23:11 AM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Richard, I also will thank the carpenter that you had a easy time of it! He or one a his assistants most likely had a finger in that oil tank keeping that bug nest stirred up till you were lined up. Don Gherardini Sales / Engineering dept. American Honda Engines Power Equipment Company 800-626-7326 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 09:06:04 AM PST US From: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard, I took the liberty of removing the d not arkive message at the bottom for proper placement of this message for posterities sake. Lord knows you have had your share of excitement with your new 582. I hope you get all the kinks straightened out soon and I share your praise of his guiding hand. Sincerely, Denny Rowe ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Pike Subject: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike > > Anybody on the list ever though about the need for a finger strainer in the > oil injection tank? Well, I'm putting one in mine. Here's why... > > Will Tatham, one of our listers stopped by last Tuesday, we talked Kolbs > for a while and then went flying. Had a good time. Took my daughter flying > later that evening, we were approaching an RC model airplane strip about > ten miles south and the engine seized. Landed w/o incident and trailered it > out Wednesday morning. (Sorry Will, I guess it just wasn't your day to have > an adrenaline rush...) > > The line from the oil tank to the oil injection pump had air in it, removed > the oil injection tank and it wouldn't drain. Dumped the oil out and found > a large gooey mass in it, turned out to be a spider web cocoon. Swollen > with oil, it was about as long and big around as my finger. With the oil > squeezed out of it, it was about 1/10 that size. Apparently it had been > hidden off in a corner of the tank when I got it, and it had resisted > rinsing out with gasoline, blowing out with an air hose, but eventually > turned loose after several week's saturation in oil. And when it found it's > way to the oil orifice, it totally blocked 3 quarts of oil from flowing out > the tube. Wouldn't even drip. > > Anyway, the mag end cylinder is at the machine shop, will know tomorrow > whether I can go back with a stock piston or first oversize. Rest of the > 582 insides still look new. Should be back in the air sometime next week. > With a strainer over the oil port in the tank, which is one of the reasons > why I am posting this otherwise unlikely event to the list, just to alert > others to the possible need to put a strainer over the oil tank pickup > hole. I have never heard of anyone else having any oil line blockages, but > I guess a bug or anything else could cause a similar problem. > > The other reason for putting this on the list is because it gives this old > preacher a chance to brag on my Boss, the Jewish Carpenter. My fault for > using an old used tank with it's hidden problem, but His grace let my > engine blow at the best of all possible times and places. > The previous flight before I took Will up had been to give a local > newspaper reporter her first flight. Wouldn't that have been a nice story > for the paper? > And the next scheduled flight was to give EAA Young Eagles rides on > Saturday morning. Another nasty media event avoided. > And then the engine "just happened" to blow 1/2 mile off the approach end > of a 500' long strip I "just happened" to already be lined up with. Where > helpful people assisted to secure the airplane, lock the place up > overnight, and take us home. > The thunderstorms Wednesday noontime didn't start until after the airplane > was safely back in the garage. > > What are the odds? > > I realize that some of the "heatherns" on the list (that's how we say it in > East Tennessee...) will roll their eyes, shake their heads and question my > intelligence, but I prefer to acknowledge that when it gets that good it > ain't coincidence and it ain't luck, let's just give credit where credit is > due. > Thanks again, Sir > > Richard Pike > MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 09:21:47 AM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > The Rotax dealer I bought the engine from said that it was permissible to > have one cylinder at standard and one at first over, or one at first over > and one at second over, but not one at standard and one at second over. If > you know different, let me know now before I button it back up. > Richard Pike Richard/All: Will not dispute the Rotax dealer's word. However, if it were my engine, I would most definitely bore both to the same dimensions. Rotax two stroke engines, in my day, 1987-1993 (represents many overhauls), were notorious for having a considerable amount of weight difference between two piston assemblies. My engine man, a noted racing engine builder in Montgomery, Alabama, would balance the piston assemblies and match the ports whenever he built an engine for me. This procedure was a tremendous improvement in reducing vibration. I would think there would be a considerable amount of difference between a standard and a 1st over piston assembly, especially turning the rpm we normally turn. john h ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 11:03:12 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike At 11:21 AM 7/22/03 -0500, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > >Richard/All: > >Will not dispute the Rotax dealer's word. >However, if it were my engine, I would most >definitely bore both to the same dimensions. >Rotax two stroke engines, in my day, 1987-1993 >(represents many overhauls), were notorious for >having a considerable amount of weight difference >between two piston assemblies. My engine man, a >noted racing engine builder in Montgomery, >Alabama, would balance the piston assemblies and >match the ports whenever he built an engine for >me. This procedure was a tremendous improvement >in reducing vibration. > >I would think there would be a considerable amount >of difference between a standard and a 1st over >piston assembly, especially turning the rpm we >normally turn. > >john h Already thinking along those lines. Looked at ten thousandths on the micrometer calipers, 1/100 of an inch don't look like much, that's the difference between stock and first over. Also looking at the old piston, estimating where a bit of aluminum might be safely removed on the new one to make the new one match the good original one. (If necessary) Anybody got any suggestions where a scale might be borrowed/used that measures that fine? Or should I build a balance beam and just keep comparing them? Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 11:04:33 AM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman John Hauck wrote: > > > Last but not least, your previous post should be > archived, per chance it will save some other > unsuspecting soul the same problem you have > experienced. > > Take care, > > john h > I agree. It should definitely be archived. It will give some solid supporting evidence for all us (idiots) who believe it is better and more reliable to KISS and have elected to remove their oil injection in favor of the old fashioned 50/1 fuel mix. PS The other reason for archiving it is because it shows the advantage of flying with "The Boss", (the Jewish Carpenter). ez ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 11:14:27 AM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Eugene Zimmerman Richard Pike wrote: > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike > > At 11:21 AM 7/22/03 -0500, you wrote: > > >--> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > > > >Richard/All: > > > >Will not dispute the Rotax dealer's word. > >However, if it were my engine, I would most > >definitely bore both to the same dimensions. > >Rotax two stroke engines, in my day, 1987-1993 > >(represents many overhauls), were notorious for > >having a considerable amount of weight difference > >between two piston assemblies. My engine man, a > >noted racing engine builder in Montgomery, > >Alabama, would balance the piston assemblies and > >match the ports whenever he built an engine for > >me. This procedure was a tremendous improvement > >in reducing vibration. > > > >I would think there would be a considerable amount > >of difference between a standard and a 1st over > >piston assembly, especially turning the rpm we > >normally turn. > > > >john h > > Already thinking along those lines. Looked at ten thousandths on the > micrometer calipers, 1/100 of an inch don't look like much, that's the > difference between stock and first over. > Also looking at the old piston, estimating where a bit of aluminum might be > safely removed on the new one to make the new one match the good original > one. (If necessary) > Anybody got any suggestions where a scale might be borrowed/used that > measures that fine? Or should I build a balance beam and just keep > comparing them? > > Richard Pike > MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) > > Do Not Archive To minimize vibration balance them to the weight of the standard piston. That is the weight the crank is counter weighted for. ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 11:40:58 AM PST US From: Bob Bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Bob Bean Richard Pike wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike > >At 11:21 AM 7/22/03 -0500, you wrote: > > > >> >> >> >> >> >> >Anybody got any suggestions where a scale might be borrowed/used that >measures that fine? Or should I build a balance beam and just keep >comparing them? > >Richard Pike >MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) > >Do Not Archive > Any chemical lab would have good electronic scales, otherwise maybe a friendly local pharmacist? -BB do not archive > > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 12:01:50 PM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > Anybody got any suggestions where a scale might be borrowed/used that > measures that fine? Or should I build a balance beam and just keep > comparing them? > > Richard Pike Richard/All: Isn't there a lot of stock car and other types of racing in the Bristol, TN, area? Check out some engine builders, race engines that is. Also might be able to find something at one of the motorcycle shops that does race setups and tweeks for motorcycle racing. Other than the above, the local drug store, or a local drug pusher. :-) Take care, john h ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:52:27 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Richard, around here, we match balance pistons and other small components with a digital gram/oz postal sclae bought over the internet for 29.95..has a 10 lb capacity, and works like a charm..we have checked it with a triple beam Ohaus and it is dead on.....check ebay Don Gherardini Sales / Engineering dept. American Honda Engines Power Equipment Company 800-626-7326 ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 12:58:33 PM PST US From: "Bob N." Subject: Kolb-List: Bernoulli Bunk --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob N." A couple or more years ago we had a rant-fest on what really causes lift, airfoil-wise. It was Bernoulli in one corner, and the Kid from Appleville, Newton in the other. Finally, after too many rounds, the previous, defending Champ was KO'd by the rightful Kid, whose motto was "For every action, there's an opposite and equal reaction." BUTT, a week or so ago, while squeezing my exorbitant cable charges outa my Toshiba, I happened upon almost the only thing I watch on the Boobs' Tube--Discovery Wings. And, you gotta/shoulda see/hear this explanation of how a wing gets its lift. It was the old Hoover Effect. You know, Hoover vacuum sweepers? Faster air over the top means thinner air means partial vacuum means the wing is kinda sucked up! All said with deep, resonant science-announcer's voice. No mention of Kid Newt and his laws or rules. such thing as Gravity, the Earth sucks. In the Fall of 1903 my late father was in a physics class at Indiana University where the Professor was lecturing on Aerostats. He made the statement that it was not possible for a machine that was heavier than the surrounding air to "stay aloft." Before the course was over, the news came over the telegraph, telling of the Wright Bros' feat. Bob N. do not archive ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:41:35 PM PST US From: "Mike Pierzina" Subject: Kolb-List: Throttle & Choke 90's --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mike Pierzina" Thanks Richard, I'm gonna get me 4 of those 90's .... I already rigged the chokes ( not that I'll use them , I installed a Primer Kit ) but I was waiting on some parts to finish the throttles... I'll have plenty of choke cable to convert to those 90's with the extra big, ugly,floppy, loops. Gotta Fly... Mike in MN DO NOT ARCHIVE > Now all we need is some sorta 90 degree pulley for the carbs , and > we could loose those big loops in the rest of the cables.......come on > Jack ( Hart ) invent us some of those.... > > Gotta Fly... > Mike in MN , FSII, 503 , IVO , GPL , EIS SNIP>>> Go to the bicycle shop and check out those nice little Teflon lined cable guides they use on the new bikes. I use 'em and like 'em. There's a picture at the bottom of this page. http://www.bcchapel.org/pages/0003/pg2.htm Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) Get advanced SPAM filtering on Webmail or POP Mail ... Get Lycos Mail! ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 02:30:23 PM PST US From: Jack & Louise Hart Subject: Kolb-List: 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart A question for those of you who have used both fuels in your two cycle engine. If the engine is tuned in for 87 octane, no lead, what changes can one expect in EGT, CHT, and gph at the same cruise rpm upon switching to 100 octane LL? Jack B. Hart FF004 Jackson, MO Jack & Louise Hart jbhart@ldd.net ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:40 PM PST US From: DAquaNut@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: DAquaNut@aol.com In a message dated 7/22/03 7:15:51 AM Central Standard Time, rwpike@charter.net writes: << ain't coincidence and it ain't luck, let's just give credit where credit is due. Thanks again, Sir Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) >> Richard, I dont say much on this list. Mostly I ask for help. But You leave me no choice. Maybe it has something to do with deny Me & I will deny you. Things dont just happen. There is always a reason. He knew exactly where you were. Flying brings one closer to nature. For some of us, It brings us closer to the Creator of nature. A good report maketh the bones fat. So good to hear you landed without incident. Are you going to be at Oskosh? Ed (In Houston) Do Not Archieve ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 03:34:08 PM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > If the engine is tuned in for 87 octane, no lead, what changes can one expect in EGT, CHT, and gph at the same cruise rpm upon switching to 100 octane LL? > > Jack B. Hart FF004 Jack/All: Not much difference. May be able to see a tiny drop in EGT at similar power settings compared with 87 octane. I burned many gals of 100LL when I was cross countrying the Firestar and a couple hundred hours on the 582 in the MKIII. john h ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 04:03:59 PM PST US From: "June Daum" Subject: Kolb-List: kolb firefly --> Kolb-List message posted by: "June Daum" I've just completed building a Kolb Firefly and have run taxi tests. The ground handling is very squirrly--so much so that I won't fly it. I have checked wheel alignment per manual--neutral no toe in--toe out. Factory suggested slight toe out would help. Toe out adjustment made mild improvment, but not satisfactory. I'm using six inch tires--I've removed brake drums to eliminate any intermittent drag--no change. The configuration of the airplane is per Kolb except I have added about a square foot to the verticle stabalizer. The engine is Hirth 2702 40 HP with three blade prop. Background info--I built a Firestar ten years ago and completed 700 plus landings and over 600 hours of G A tail dragger time. Would appreciate suggestions and comments regarding others experiences with the firefly and its ground handling. I know a couple of Firefly owners who have had no problems.------George Daum gjdaum@camano.net ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 04:38:42 PM PST US From: Jack & Louise Hart Subject: Re: Kolb-List: kolb firefly --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart At 04:07 PM 7/22/03 -0700, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "June Daum" > >I've just completed building a Kolb Firefly and have run taxi tests. The ground handling is very squirrly--so much so that I won't fly it. I have checked wheel alignment per manual--neutral no toe in--toe out. Factory suggested slight toe out would help. Toe out adjustment made mild improvment, but not satisfactory. I'm using six inch tires--I've removed brake drums to eliminate any intermittent drag--no change. The configuration of the airplane is per Kolb except I have added about a square foot to the verticle stabalizer. The engine is Hirth 2702 40 HP with three blade prop. > >Background info--I built a Firestar ten years ago and completed 700 plus landings and over 600 hours of G A tail dragger time. > >Would appreciate suggestions and comments regarding others experiences with the firefly and its ground handling. I know a couple of Firefly owners who have had no problems.------George Daum gjdaum@camano.net > George, I had similar problems, and below is how I solved it. With the FireFly on a hard smooth surface do the following: 1. Load the seat with about 200 pounds of any thing. 2. Roll the plane forward and backward to settle the gear. 3. Sight the wheel alignment front to back to see if the wheels are parallel. If not get them parallel and go back to #2. 4. Using a level check vertically on the side of each wheel to see if the top is slightly out (away from the fuselage) from the bottom. If not bend the axle, and go back to #2. 5. Practice, practice & more practice. Good Luck. Jack B. Hart FF004 Jackson, MO Jack & Louise Hart jbhart@ldd.net ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 05:02:37 PM PST US From: "Beauford Tuton" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Bernoulli Bunk --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Beauford Tuton" Great story, Bob... Thanks... Beauford ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob N." Subject: Kolb-List: Bernoulli Bunk > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob N." > > A couple or more years ago we had a rant-fest on what really causes > lift, airfoil-wise. It was Bernoulli in one corner, and the Kid from > Appleville, Newton in the other. Finally, after too many rounds, the > previous, defending Champ was KO'd by the rightful Kid, whose motto was > "For every action, there's an opposite and equal reaction." > > BUTT, a week or so ago, while squeezing my exorbitant cable charges outa > my Toshiba, I happened upon almost the only thing I watch on the Boobs' > Tube--Discovery Wings. And, you gotta/shoulda see/hear this explanation > of how a wing gets its lift. It was the old Hoover Effect. You know, > Hoover vacuum sweepers? Faster air over the top means thinner air means > partial vacuum means the wing is kinda sucked up! All said with deep, > resonant science-announcer's voice. No mention of Kid Newt and his laws > or rules. > > such thing as Gravity, the Earth sucks. > > In the Fall of 1903 my late father was in a physics class at Indiana > University where the Professor was lecturing on Aerostats. He made the > statement that it was not possible for a machine that was heavier than > the surrounding air to "stay aloft." Before the course was over, the > news came over the telegraph, telling of the Wright Bros' feat. > > Bob N. > > do not archive > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 05:43:28 PM PST US From: "Daniel Walter" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Brake problem --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Daniel Walter" I had the same problem on a Ultrastar. The solution to my problem was two fold, The holes in the backing plates, and mounts on the gear did not center the shoes in the drum, it only took a small amount of filling with a rat tail file to solve this problem. The other problem was the drums were not running concentric with the wheels, turning the drum on the wheel helped, but I still have a slight rub as the wheel turns. Hope this helps. Dan Walter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Blackwell, Charlie & Meredith" Subject: Kolb-List: Brake problem > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Blackwell, Charlie & Meredith" > > Hi guys; > I have been following the list for a while since I bought a used MKII twinstar, '90 vintage, and am third owner. While replacing the whole landing gear set up I have run into a problem with the brakes. Actually I have found many difficulties, but this one is holding me up for now. They are drum brakes from TNK, a Firestar set with the Azusa wheels and tires. After painting, drilling, and bolting everything together the brakes barely fit into the drums and now require huge effort to turn the tires around. I expected a little brake rubbing, but this is ridiculous. > Does anyone have suggestions? Did I miss something here? > > Charlie Blackwell, NJ > > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 05:49:15 PM PST US From: "Bruce McElhoe" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: kolb firefly --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bruce McElhoe" George, We now have about 20 hours on our FireFly with 6.00-6 tires. We found that alignment is critical, and that zero toe-out worked best for us. We found that it helped to put a lot of slack in the chains that drive the tailwheel. Too much authority on the tailwheel made it easy to overcorrect steering. On landing, I use the technique adopted by old-time tailwheelers, which is to dance on the rudder pedals during roll-out, adjusting the oscillation as required to stay on centerline. This seems to keep me from overcorrecting. For take-off, I find this is not necessary because the Firefly pops off the ground too fast for me to even think about steering. I feel the landing gear is well designed, and it accepts the larger tires okay. As I became more practiced with landings, I found I have less tendency to overcorrect. Keep practicing....yer gonna' love it! Bruce McElhoe Reedley, CA FF#88 > > I've just completed building a Kolb Firefly and have run taxi tests. The ground handling is very squirrly--so much so that I won't fly it. I have checked wheel alignment per manual--neutral no toe in--toe out. Factory suggested slight toe out would help. Toe out adjustment made mild improvment, but not satisfactory. I'm using six inch tires--I've removed brake drums to eliminate any intermittent drag--no change. The configuration of the airplane is per Kolb except I have added about a square foot to the verticle stabalizer. The engine is Hirth 2702 40 HP with three blade prop. > > Background info--I built a Firestar ten years ago and completed 700 plus landings and over 600 hours of G A tail dragger time. > > Would appreciate suggestions and comments regarding others experiences with the firefly and its ground handling. I know a couple of Firefly owners who have had no problems.------George Daum gjdaum@camano.net > > ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 06:37:39 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Spiderwebs & strainers --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike At 05:35 PM 7/22/03 -0400, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: DAquaNut@aol.com > Are you going to be at Oskosh? > > Ed (In Houston) > > Do Not Archieve Be at Oshkosh? I'll be doing well to make it around the pattern... No, maybe I'm getting old but Oshkosh and Sun 'N Fun are a little to big and a lot too commercial for me any more. You guys go ahead and have fun, I'll just remember it the way it used to be. Besides, I don't need to buy anything, therefore I don't need to go, and I'll see all you guys at Chestnut Knolls in September anyway, so that's good enough. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 07:54:01 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: 87 Octane No Lead & 100 LL From: ul15rhb@juno.com --> Kolb-List message posted by: ul15rhb@juno.com Jack, I agree with John H, there isn't much difference between 100LL and 87, 91 autogas as far as performance or lack thereof.. Autogas is better for a 2-stroke without the lead content. Ralph 447 Rotax On Tue, 22 Jul 2003 16:27:18 -0500 Jack & Louise Hart writes: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart > > A question for those of you who have used both fuels in your two > cycle engine. > > If the engine is tuned in for 87 octane, no lead, what changes can > one expect in EGT, CHT, and gph at the same cruise rpm upon > switching to 100 octane LL? > > Jack B. Hart FF004 > Jackson, MO > > > Jack & Louise Hart > jbhart@ldd.net > > > > > > > > > > The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 07:58:58 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Michigans Thumb --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" Just keeping in touch................leaving Naicam, Saskatchewan tomorrow morning for Minnesota & Wisconsin. Won't be long now. Lar. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Kolb Mk III - Vamoose N78LB www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thom Riddle" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Michigans Thumb > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Thom Riddle" > > I am new to the Kolb List and would like to meet you when you come through Niagara Falls area. I live in Tonawanda a northern suburb of Buffalo and keep my plane at Buffalo Airfield (9G0), southeast side of Buffalo. If you are planning on viewing the falls from the air, there is now a permanent NOTAM and TFR which dictates and limits the way one can fly over the falls. 3500' min., clockwise pattern, radio announce position etc. etc. etc. > > Thom in Buffalo > > ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 07:59:02 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Trip from Minnesota to Houston --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" I'm leaving Naicam, SK tomorrow morning for Evansville & Minneapolis, then Wisc. I can't remember where you live. Are you up for a visit ?? Lar. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Kolb Mk III - Vamoose N78LB www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gary robert voigt" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Trip from Minnesota to Houston > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Gary robert voigt" > > Robert, that was a great story and i was with you every mile of the way > on the edge of my seat. glad you had a safe trip. > > thanks, > Gary r. voigt > > Robert Laird wrote: > > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Laird > > > > For those of you who might be interested, over Memorial Day weekend I > > ferried an ultralight, that a friend had just bought, from Minnesota to > > Houston, TX... Here's a link to the story: > > > > http://www.texas-flyer.com/texas-flyer/Minnesota > > > > It's probably trivial compared to what Mr. Hauck is accustomed to, but it > > was quite the adventure for me! > > > > -- Robert > > > > ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 08:02:11 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Kolb-List: Trip --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" I'm leaving Naicam, Saskatchewan tomorrow morning, after a couple of days fishing on Deschambault Lake with snowbird neighbors. Guess this makes me a "sunbird." Should be in Minnesota by Thurs, on my way to Evansville, then to Minneapolis, and Wisconsin. Anybody on my route up for a visit ?? GoGittum Lar. Do not Archive. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Kolb Mk III - Vamoose N78LB www.gogittum.com ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 08:56:34 PM PST US From: jerb Subject: Re: Kolb-List: kolb firefly --> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb George, You going probably find the FireFly a little quicker than a FireStar by comparison. I read your other post about using 6 inch wheels, we too are running larger wheels and tires on our FireFly with no problems. One thing I did catch is your comment about having the tail wheel chains loose, nope should be tight, your want authority and not have to fight it wondering about seeking it's own direction. You also mentioned about pumping the rudder pedals, not good either, it's not a peddle car. The FireFly normally is very docile to taxi around - if your having that much problem just taxiing it's either technique or some adjustment. Not sure why you would have added the extra surface area to the tails vert. stab, it's fairly stable and has plenty of rudder authority as was. Will make it more difficult to taxi in cross wind as it will want to weather vane (turn) in to the wind. What type of wheels do you have, the wheel barrow type - if so you may find it advantageous to upgrade the bearing to better quality. The cheap China made ones are and get sloppy and can cause some brake grabbing. I sense your used to a heavier airplane and may either be over controlling or behind the airplane. How long has it been since you flew and flown a tail dragger, how much recent flight time? Tighten the chains back up like they should be. There should be a spring coupled in the chain on each side. http://thirdshift.com/jack/firefly/firefly08a.html (This link illustrating this is from Jack Harts wonder web site) You need the spring to have full rudder authority while not over straining the tail wheel while on the ground in tight turn. Also reduces the wheel from shimmying. If the wheels are aligned and tracking as close as you say the only other things I can think of is the engine thrust alignment - pivoted right or left of center line and angle of the engine up and down. Next do some slow to moderate speed taxi in to the wind with your feet on the floor and just let it roll. Any problem there. I suggest you start by installing the tail control linkage as Kolb calls for. Then take the bird out (be prepared to fly, belt on and gas in tank just in case) and do some slow taxiing. Try it taxiing into the wind with your feet on the floor at a slow and moderate pace - just let it roll. If it does not exhibit any bad characteristics there, get back on the rudder pedals. As you feel comfortable with that, increase speed slightly and work your way up. Note only apply enough power to get it moving and then back off the power so it's slowing down. When comfortable with that then proceed to maintaining just enough power on to keep it rolling but not enough to fly. As you get better acquainted with the airplanes handling characteristics progress to where you lift that tail but make sure your back on the power. If things start happening to fast back on the throttle, feet on the floor, and let the tail down. It will slow down real quickly. Continue this until you feel competent to lift off. When you finally ready give it the throttle and go. You'll be off in no time. When you come in to land don't let it get it to slow during the landing. When they do quit flying they do it suddenly. Just keep a little power on and slowly feel for the ground and back on the power upon contact. I recommend a three point landing in the early stages until you get to know the airplane. As you get comfortable you'll be able better time things, If you have any questions, feel free to email me. The FireFly is not a bad flying airplane. I did not get comfortable until I done some taxiing as described above and then shot two sets of 10 take offs and landings. By the end of that I was pretty cocky and could spot land it. One word of advise that applies to it and most other Kolbs, don't get it to slow when landing. Don't want you to prang the gear. There are those like me that have 8 ( and those that will, and those that will not tell about it. jerb At 04:07 PM 7/22/03 -0700, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "June Daum" > >I've just completed building a Kolb Firefly and have run taxi tests. The >ground handling is very squirrly--so much so that I won't fly it. I have >checked wheel alignment per manual--neutral no toe in--toe out. Factory >suggested slight toe out would help. Toe out adjustment made mild >improvment, but not satisfactory. I'm using six inch tires--I've removed >brake drums to eliminate any intermittent drag--no change. The >configuration of the airplane is per Kolb except I have added about a >square foot to the verticle stabalizer. The engine is Hirth 2702 40 HP >with three blade prop. > >Background info--I built a Firestar ten years ago and completed 700 plus >landings and over 600 hours of G A tail dragger time. > >Would appreciate suggestions and comments regarding others experiences >with the firefly and its ground handling. I know a couple of Firefly >owners who have had no problems.------George Daum gjdaum@camano.net > >