---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 11/11/03: 35 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:24 AM - Re: frustrated (bryan green) 2. 05:04 AM - Re: Airfoil (Bruce Harrison) 3. 05:41 AM - Thanks! (Kirk Smith) 4. 05:50 AM - rugged Firestar (ul15rhb@juno.com) 5. 05:54 AM - Re: Thanks! (ul15rhb@juno.com) 6. 05:57 AM - Re: frustrated (Richard Pike) 7. 06:12 AM - Re: Thanks! (John Hauck) 8. 06:46 AM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (garvelink) 9. 07:27 AM - Re: flyin (GeoR38@aol.com) 10. 08:01 AM - Re: Airfoil (Don Gherardini) 11. 08:16 AM - fuel pumps (Paul Petty) 12. 08:29 AM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (CaptainRon) 13. 08:44 AM - Re: frustrated (CaptainRon) 14. 08:45 AM - Re: fuel pumps (k dempsey) 15. 08:53 AM - Noise-reduction headsets (Bob N.) 16. 09:09 AM - New Mk3 owner questions (Aaron Hollingsworth) 17. 09:15 AM - bargain Kolb (Bob Bean) 18. 09:54 AM - Clip-Wing Kolb (Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM) 19. 10:43 AM - Re: flyin (Linda Rowe) 20. 11:04 AM - Re: New Mk3 owner questions (Linda Rowe) 21. 11:14 AM - RPM drop on takeoff (Kirk Smith) 22. 11:45 AM - Re: New Mk3 owner questions (Richard & Martha Neilsen) 23. 12:31 PM - Re: New Mk3 owner questions (Richard Pike) 24. 12:32 PM - Re: New Mk3 owner questions (Aaron Hollingsworth) 25. 01:05 PM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (John Hauck) 26. 01:25 PM - Re: Clip-Wing Kolb (John Hauck) 27. 01:26 PM - Thanks (Mike) 28. 01:46 PM - Re: Clip-Wing Kolb (Richard Pike) 29. 01:55 PM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (Kirk Smith) 30. 03:11 PM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (John Hauck) 31. 05:08 PM - Re: Thanks (Mid-State Sandblasting) 32. 05:12 PM - Re: bargain Kolb (Larry Bourne) 33. 06:48 PM - FireFly Yaw Trim (Jack & Louise Hart) 34. 09:04 PM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (Ben Ransom) 35. 11:13 PM - Re: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout (CaptainRon) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:24:25 AM PST US From: "bryan green" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: frustrated --> Kolb-List message posted by: "bryan green" Don and Paul, if you don't think it would cause any problems with the metal put the ring in a 375 deg. oven for 1hr, use oven mitts and I bet it will slip right on. Bryan Green (Elgin SC) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: frustrated > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" > > Paul, hehe yup I can relate to that!....just keep sanding..or maybe > sumpthin a little stronger!..I had that problem, and I have heard others > have also! > > http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm > Don Gherardini- > FireFly 098 > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:04:11 AM PST US From: "Bruce Harrison" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Airfoil --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bruce Harrison" I've never flown the Firefly so I can't comment on that, but I fly an original Firestar that is very close to UL legal weight with a 377. If you removed some of the amenities like steel wheels, larger tires, strobe, radio antenna, our Firestar could make the weight. The Firestar is perfect for getting into and out of extremely short fields, and then putzing along at 4900 rpm to the next destination at 1000 agl or less. That is what I spend most of my time in it doing. We have some great agricultural areas where you can fly down on the deck, right over the cotton/corn, soybeans, etc. Several big fellows have flown our Firestar, one was 265 and another 225. I weigh about 180. The Firestars and Fireflys are plenty strong as far as I can tell. do not archive > >Is there a difference in airfoil of the Firestar and Firefly. Other than >the wing length are there any signifigant differences in the two planes. My >preferred style of flying is low and slow and I believe the Firestar would >be the better choice as I weigh 230 lbs nekked. I also like to fly with as >little RPMs as possible and just watch the world go by. Ruling out the fact >that the Firely is a legal Ultralight and the Firestar is not, and >factoring in my flying style, what would your opinions be. Thank you. >Mike MacPherson Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account is over ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:41:45 AM PST US From: "Kirk Smith" Subject: Kolb-List: Thanks! --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" To all the Veterans out there in Kolbland, Happy Veterans Day and Thanks!!!! ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:50:55 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: rugged Firestar From: ul15rhb@juno.com --> Kolb-List message posted by: ul15rhb@juno.com Bruce and others, I'm a 200+ pounder and I've been flying the Original nearly 17 years. By the way, I've never inspected those AN3 bolts that hold the front and rear cage together until just the other day. I found minor wear on one of the the upper bolts and that's it. I think that's pretty good considering all the weight and bouncing around I do, especially during the winter flying off skis. Ralph Original Firestar 16 years flying it -- "Bruce Harrison" wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bruce Harrison" I've never flown the Firefly so I can't comment on that, but I fly an original Firestar that is very close to UL legal weight with a 377. If you removed some of the amenities like steel wheels, larger tires, strobe, radio antenna, our Firestar could make the weight. The Firestar is perfect for getting into and out of extremely short fields, and then putzing along at 4900 rpm to the next destination at 1000 agl or less. That is what I spend most of my time in it doing. We have some great agricultural areas where you can fly down on the deck, right over the cotton/corn, soybeans, etc. Several big fellows have flown our Firestar, one was 265 and another 225. I weigh about 180. The Firestars and Fireflys are plenty strong as far as I can tell. do not archive ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 05:54:50 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Thanks! From: ul15rhb@juno.com --> Kolb-List message posted by: ul15rhb@juno.com -- "Kirk Smith" wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" To all the Veterans out there in Kolbland, Happy Veterans Day and Thanks!!!! Well thank you sir!!! I guess those 4 years spend in the USAF during the prime of my life weren't wasted after all. do not archive Ralph Original Firestar 16 years flying it ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 05:57:39 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: frustrated --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike Everyone has this problem. I made mine fit with a sanding drum on the Dremel tool going around and around the inside of the steel ring. It only took a little bit to make it fit. You can also put a bevel edge on both the steel ring and the tube, it will not affect strength, and may help. When it came time to assemble and rivet, I cleaned everything off good, slopped a fresh coat of epoxy primer on it and crammed them together while it was still wet, hopefully that should take care of any corrosion potential. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) At 09:22 PM 11/10/03 -0600, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Paul Petty" > >Kolbers, >I spent 2.75 hrs trying to fit the tail post onto the boom tube this >evening.........eeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrggggggg! it will not fit! No matter >what. I sanded both tail post and tube and banged hammered cussed and no >way it's going to fit........ bummer What tha? >has anyone had this prob? I can machine the two to fit one another but >heck, did not expect this wall.... > >pp >Building the Pterodactyl > >do not archive > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:12:22 AM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Thanks! --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > To all the Veterans out there in Kolbland, Happy Veterans > Day and Thanks!!!! Same here Snuf! Thanks to ever Veteran for their service. john h 15 May 1956 to 31 January 1980 US Army Retired MK III 1947.1 hrs 912S 601.5 hrs Pilot Lotsa miles........ DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 06:46:41 AM PST US From: "garvelink" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: "garvelink" dennis, do you know if there are any kolb ultrastar basket cases out there to rebuild? srglink ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis Souder" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dennis Souder" > > Hi John, > Intriguing problem. What prop did you previously use (type, dia, # blades) > and what prop are you now using (type, dia, # blades) . Also, what ratio > gearbox? > Is the initial acceleration of your aircraft similar to how it accelerated > before (from standing still to the point the rpm drops). In other words, > does the engine seem to make good power at the 6100 rpms? Have you tied the > aircraft down and performed a sustained full power run at 6100 rpms? > Dennis > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "John Raeburn" > To: > Subject: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout > > > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Raeburn > > > > I have a Mk III with a Rotax 582. I recently replaced the propeller after > > the other-one was damaged when one of my Lexan windows flew out and hit > the > > prop. > > I can obtain 6100 rpm on a static runup with no problem but when I > > accelerate down the runway the rpm drops off to 4200 and stays there > during > > a climb. I have taken both carbs. off to check them and they seem OK. The > > engine runs smooth in all phases of the runup. > > > > Does anyone have any solutions? > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:27:07 AM PST US From: GeoR38@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: flyin --> Kolb-List message posted by: GeoR38@aol.com In a message dated 11/10/2003 11:00:14 AM Eastern Standard Time, ppetty@c-gate.net writes: > Sorry John ran short of time and was unable to inspect my > work. Maybe next time. > > pp > Building the Pterodactyl > > do not archive Eh??!! ...wot??...pterodactyl? GeorgeRandolph The Villages ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 08:01:48 AM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Airfoil --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Mike, I think these guys who are telling you the firestar is the way to go are probably right, considering your flying desires. I have never flown a Firestar, but as it seems in taking with other FireStar pilots...the Firestar will do about everything a FireFly will..but at a little slower airspeed. you need to keep the speed up on a Firefly a little more than a Firstar I think, and of course it has a higher gross limitation. This is about the only thing I really notice when flying on the top side of the weight envelope, is the need for a little more speed to keep it handling ok. At or around 500lbs TOW (I have had it up to 565) , my firefly really does not Fly as comfortable below 50 or 55 mph....you can tell when your heavy as it needs more throttle to maintain altitude and speed...and sems to like 60 mph much better. http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm Don Gherardini- FireFly 098 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 08:16:48 AM PST US From: "Paul Petty" Subject: Kolb-List: fuel pumps --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Paul Petty" Kolbers, I don't know what you guys have been paying for Facet fuel pumps but I can offer them to my fellow Kolbers for 33.78 plus shipping and can ship via ups. pp Building the Pterodactyl ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 08:29:23 AM PST US From: CaptainRon Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: CaptainRon This curious, its opposit to what one would expect. Have you considered fuel shifting in the tanks? porting or unporting something? is your prop fixed pitch? However during normal cruise you should at least regain your RPM. Its seems to me that something is moving and reducing the flow of fuel to the carbs. ============= > I have a Mk III with a Rotax 582. I recently > replaced the propeller after > the other-one was damaged when one of my Lexan > windows flew out and hit the > prop. > I can obtain 6100 rpm on a static runup with no > problem but when I > accelerate down the runway the rpm drops off to 4200 > and stays there during > a climb. I have taken both carbs. off to check them > and they seem OK. The > engine runs smooth in all phases of the runup. > > Does anyone have any solutions? > > > > Click on the > this > generous > _-> > Contributions > any other > Forums. > > http://www.matronics.com/chat > > http://www.matronics.com/subscription > http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm > http://www.matronics.com/archives > http://www.matronics.com/photoshare > http://www.matronics.com/emaillists > > > > > ===== Ron Building M3X Southern Arizona __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 08:44:40 AM PST US From: CaptainRon Subject: Re: Kolb-List: frustrated --> Kolb-List message posted by: CaptainRon I had a similar problem. In my situation it was too much primer. I sanded the heck out of it, lubed the tube and ring and then hammered it into place. placing the fasteners into that ring seemed a bit superfluous but them's the plans. you can also try heating the ring with a propane torch and then slip it on. Make sure you get it right on the first try, or else it aint never coming off. I'd sand the ring not the tube. ============= --- Paul Petty wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Paul Petty" > > > Kolbers, > I spent 2.75 hrs trying to fit the tail post onto > the boom tube this > evening.........eeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrggggggg! it will > not fit! No matter what. I sanded both tail post and > tube and banged hammered cussed and no way it's > going to fit........ bummer What tha? > has anyone had this prob? I can machine the two to > fit one another but heck, did not expect this > wall.... > > pp > Building the Pterodactyl > > do not archive > > > > Click on the > this > generous > _-> > Contributions > any other > Forums. > > http://www.matronics.com/chat > > http://www.matronics.com/subscription > http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm > http://www.matronics.com/archives > http://www.matronics.com/photoshare > http://www.matronics.com/emaillists > > > > > ===== Ron Building M3X Southern Arizona __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 08:45:17 AM PST US From: "k dempsey" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: fuel pumps --> Kolb-List message posted by: "k dempsey" Pretty good -as has them for $28.60- We appreciate you helping your "fellow kolbers" -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Paul Petty Subject: Kolb-List: fuel pumps --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Paul Petty" Kolbers, I don't know what you guys have been paying for Facet fuel pumps but I can offer them to my fellow Kolbers for 33.78 plus shipping and can ship via ups. pp Building the Pterodactyl = == direct advertising on the Matronics Forums. == == == ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 08:53:30 AM PST US From: "Bob N." Subject: Kolb-List: Noise-reduction headsets --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob N." BigLar recently made a glowing report on a noise reduction headset in C175(?), saying it was excellent in blocking/reducing the noise. This was undoubted so, as the headset was most likely made for the GA (four stroke, low rpm engines) rather than our mostly (stop reading here, all you guys with 4-strokes) 2-bangers operating at much higher rpms, with much higher frequency noise. Way back I bought a noise reducing headphone for my wife to use in our Cardinal, and also for me on those 16 hr legs from Japan to JFK. They worked very well in the Cardinal, and only marginally on the jets. The mfr told me that they were "tuned" for GA's low frequency noises, and wouldn't do as well in jets. Before putting a load of bucks into a NRH, test or get another opinion on their effectiveness with your type engine. Bob N. http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/ronoy/ ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 09:09:34 AM PST US From: "Aaron Hollingsworth" Subject: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions SMTPD_IN_RCVD --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Aaron Hollingsworth" I got my used mk3 delivered to my airport and an starting to go over it inch by inch. I have a few questions. I noticed the ailerons and elevator squeak when moved. The movement is pretty smooth, though not nearly as smooth as my old challenger. The squeaking I hear is not in the cockpit, and sounds like somewhere below the engine or in the wing length. What is recommended to lube the control tubes, joints? How smooth should the controls be. Control slop: There is a bit of play in the left stick (dual controls) and it looks like the play is mostly coming wear on the pivot hole. The right side is a bit tighter but does have a little bit of dead play side by side before it moved the aileron (1/16th of an inch maybe.) How much play is normal. Suggestions to fix? Elevator trim: Do all Mk3s have elevator trim? all kolbs? The spring loaded trim system is a bit funky. It is hard to describe, but when full trim is added and you move the stick forward (really hard to push forward) and let it come back it doesn't come back smoothly, it pops back in 2 or three chunks.. I did not notice this flying, but did notice it in the hanger. Is there any kits to add electric elevator trim? Suggestions? Tailwheel springs: there are left and right springs mounted to the tailwheel arm. The squeak like hell. While it flys great, it sounds mickey mouse when moving your rudder sounds like your bouncing on a pogo-stick. Anything to smooth this out? Thanks in advance! Aaron - ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 09:15:33 AM PST US From: Bob Bean Subject: Kolb-List: bargain Kolb --> Kolb-List message posted by: Bob Bean I deleted that fellow's post about wanting a basket case.....but if I didn't already have a plane I'd sure bid on the Ebay MkII, now at $7900 with six hours to go. I thought I did pretty good staying (just) under $10,000 on mine. But think of all the joy? of building I woulda missed. -Lar's not talking any more. :) -BB, MKIII, this summer was the first time I've flown ANYTHING in 8 years, just like riding a bicycle I guess. ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 09:54:37 AM PST US From: Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM Subject: Kolb-List: Clip-Wing Kolb --> Kolb-List message posted by: Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM "Thom Riddle" wrote: << My goal is to have a two seat tandem aircraft with dual controls and a high wing loading ... Another possibility might be to shorten the wings of a Kolbra. Anyone done this? Any thoughts on this as a viable possibility? Thom in Buffalo >> Thom, and Kolb Friends - Be careful in this area of experimentation! One Kolb owner I know of did this to his Mark-3 in order to have a faster plane. The wings were shortened by 2 ft each. Flew it for a year or so, then sold it to someone at my home airfield in Albuquerque. My friend who bought this clip-wing Kolb was an experienced ultralight pilot & flight instructor, but was not prepared for the drastically-altered fight characteristics of this Mark-3. Stall speed was 50 mph. On one flight soon after the purchase, the engine quit right after takeoff, at approx 80 ft agl. He tried to turn it slightly to the left toward flat terrain, but stalled it as soon as he initiated the turn and spun it in. Totalled the plane. He was lucky to escape with only bruises. (Speaks volumes for the crash-integrity of the Kolb steel cage design!) In a "stock" Mark-3, he could have easily made the turn & glide without stalling. Homer's designs provide good slow-flight handling when built to plans. Alter something major like the wing design, and you become the test pilot of a plane with unknown (and potentially deadly) flight characteristics. Dennis Kirby Mark-3 in N.M. ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 10:43:13 AM PST US From: "Linda Rowe" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: flyin --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Linda Rowe" > > In a message dated 11/10/2003 11:00:14 AM Eastern Standard Time, ppetty@c-gate.net writes: > > > Sorry John ran short of time and was unable to inspect my > > work. Maybe next time. > > > > pp > > Building the Pterodactyl > > > > do not archive > > Eh??!! ...wot??...pterodactyl? > > GeorgeRandolph > The Villages > > George, Don't get confused, Paul has decided to call his HD powered Kolbra the "Pterodactyl", not to be confused with the Pterodactyl Pfledge, Ptraveler, Acender, Ptiger, or Light Flyer, all of which were Jack McCornack designs. (did I miss any?) Denny Rowe, Mk-3, PA, and an old Dactyl driver. ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 11:04:03 AM PST US From: "Linda Rowe" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Linda Rowe" > > I got my used mk3 delivered to my airport and an starting to go over it inch by inch. I have a few questions. Congratulations on your new bird Aaron. > > I noticed the ailerons and elevator squeak when moved. The movement is pretty smooth, though not nearly as smooth as my old challenger. The squeaking I hear is not in the cockpit, and sounds like somewhere below the engine or in the wing length. What is recommended to lube the control tubes, joints? How smooth should the controls be. > I use WD -40 on the piano hinges and than wipe away excess with a clean rag. They always squeek a little. > Control slop: There is a bit of play in the left stick (dual controls) and it looks like the play is mostly coming wear on the pivot hole. The right side is a bit tighter but does have a little bit of dead play side by side before it moved the aileron (1/16th of an inch maybe.) How much play is normal. Suggestions to fix? My ship only has 36 hrs on it, it has had a little side to side play since day one, just check the bolts and joints, relube them and reassemble them making sure that all cotter pins and lock nuts are installed in the control loop, a little play is normal. > > Elevator trim: Do all Mk3s have elevator trim? all kolbs? The spring loaded trim system is a bit funky. It is hard to describe, but when full trim is added and you move the stick forward (really hard to push forward) and let it come back it doesn't come back smoothly, it pops back in 2 or three chunks.. I did not notice this flying, but did notice it in the hanger. Is there any kits to add electric elevator trim? Suggestions? Make sure nothing is hanging up and that all moving parts are lubed, the stock trim works really well and I have had zero problems with it. Given a little time to get used to it, I think you will find you'll like it. > > Tailwheel springs: there are left and right springs mounted to the tailwheel arm. The squeak like hell. While it flys great, it sounds mickey mouse when moving your rudder sounds like your bouncing on a pogo-stick. Anything to smooth this out? I mounted my springs up on the rudder horns and ran the chains down to the tailwheel. This keeps the springs up out of the grass and makes em less likely to snagg on anything. You won't hear em with the engine running. :-) I hope this helps, Denny Rowe, Mk-3 N616DR, 2SI 690L-70, Powerfin F-model, Leechburg PA. > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 11:14:34 AM PST US From: "Kirk Smith" Subject: Kolb-List: RPM drop on takeoff --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" Wonder if you got a vacumn developing at the carb intake? Sure sounds like it. As the speed increases the vacumn increases and air intake is reduced, the rpm drops. Wonder if the plugs look rich? Snuf ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 11:45:45 AM PST US From: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Aaron To stop the squeaking you can use any good oil that you clean off the exterior after application. Or maybe lock lubricant with graphite would be good. Don't forget the oil holes for the aileron control rod that passes thru the center of the fuselage. I can't speak for the dual controls but the single control had a oversize hole in a pivot that was too large for the hinge bolt but too small for a larger bolt. One of our members suggested finding a brass tube that would fit in the hole to reduce the slop. I remember it took some filing to get it to fit will but it helped a bunch. Try it you will like the improvement. Yes this sounds like the stock trim system. Its not intended to feel right on the ground but it works well in the air. But by you description it could be binding on something you should check it out. There is at least one optional tail wheel and springs. Which tail wheel do you have? I never noticed the noise but when I sit in my airplane in the hanger and play with the controls I'm also making pretend engine noises. If it bothers you allot you could switch to compression springs which I set up with some slack so as to reduce stress on the rudder hinge and this should also reduce the noise also. Rick Neilsen Redrive VW powered MKIIIc ----- Original Message ----- From: "Aaron Hollingsworth" Subject: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Aaron Hollingsworth" > > I got my used mk3 delivered to my airport and an starting to go over it inch by inch. I have a few questions. > > I noticed the ailerons and elevator squeak when moved. The movement is pretty smooth, though not nearly as smooth as my old challenger. The squeaking I hear is not in the cockpit, and sounds like somewhere below the engine or in the wing length. What is recommended to lube the control tubes, joints? How smooth should the controls be. > > Control slop: There is a bit of play in the left stick (dual controls) and it looks like the play is mostly coming wear on the pivot hole. The right side is a bit tighter but does have a little bit of dead play side by side before it moved the aileron (1/16th of an inch maybe.) How much play is normal. Suggestions to fix? > > Elevator trim: Do all Mk3s have elevator trim? all kolbs? The spring loaded trim system is a bit funky. It is hard to describe, but when full trim is added and you move the stick forward (really hard to push forward) and let it come back it doesn't come back smoothly, it pops back in 2 or three chunks.. I did not notice this flying, but did notice it in the hanger. Is there any kits to add electric elevator trim? Suggestions? > > Tailwheel springs: there are left and right springs mounted to the tailwheel arm. The squeak like hell. While it flys great, it sounds mickey mouse when moving your rudder sounds like your bouncing on a pogo-stick. Anything to smooth this out? > > Thanks in advance! > > Aaron > - > > ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 12:31:58 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike At 10:11 AM 11/11/03 -0800, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Aaron Hollingsworth" > >I got my used mk3 delivered to my airport and an starting to go over it >inch by inch. I have a few questions. > >I noticed the ailerons and elevator squeak when moved. The movement is >pretty smooth, though not nearly as smooth as my old challenger. The >squeaking I hear is not in the cockpit, and sounds like somewhere below >the engine or in the wing length. What is recommended to lube the control >tubes, joints? How smooth should the controls be. Now that you mention it, I guess my ailerons squeak a little bit too. For real noise, the cables to the empennage will really clank and rattle, taxiing on a bumpy grass strip sounds like the Ghost of Christmas Past. Smooth is relative, there should be no binding. I like LPS-3 as a lubricant, >Control slop: There is a bit of play in the left stick (dual controls) and >it looks like the play is mostly coming wear on the pivot hole. The right >side is a bit tighter but does have a little bit of dead play side by side >before it moved the aileron (1/16th of an inch maybe.) How much play is >normal. Suggestions to fix? 1/16" play is normal, don't worry about it. >Elevator trim: Do all Mk3s have elevator trim? all kolbs? The spring >loaded trim system is a bit funky. It is hard to describe, but when full >trim is added and you move the stick forward (really hard to push forward) >and let it come back it doesn't come back smoothly, it pops back in 2 or >three chunks.. I did not notice this flying, but did notice it in the >hanger. Is there any kits to add electric elevator trim? Suggestions? Yes, it is funky. Yours sounds just like mine, leave it alone, it will work great just like it is. And with full up trim, it really is hard to push forward, but with a big passenger, you will find it is about right. >Tailwheel springs: there are left and right springs mounted to the >tailwheel arm. The squeak like hell. While it flys great, it sounds mickey >mouse when moving your rudder sounds like your bouncing on a pogo-stick. >Anything to smooth this out? As much noise as the cables make rattling and clanging inside the tube, how are you able to hear the tailwheel springs? I sure can't hear mine! >Thanks in advance! > >Aaron >- You're welcome. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 12:32:14 PM PST US From: "Aaron Hollingsworth" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Aaron Hollingsworth" Thanks for the pointers. The tail wheel I recall the old owner mentioned that it was not stock and was a heavier duty tailwheel. Other than that I can only comment that there are a couple a springs loaded on a arm attached to the wheel. These are what makes the noise. The tail noise is the lowest concern because looking at it I can tell it is functionally sound. The controls squeaking is what I need to make sure is ok because I can not for sure tell where the squeak is coming from and usually where a hinge or joint is squeaking there is extra wear. Add the squeak to a little control slop and a little heavy to move stick (even in the hanger) and I just want to make sure everything is ok. I'll make sure to oil all the hinges and joints. Thanks for pointing out the oil holes in the control rod. I bet the old owner hasn't oiled it once in the 180 hours. Regards, Aaron - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" > > Aaron > > To stop the squeaking you can use any good oil that you clean off the > exterior after application. Or maybe lock lubricant with graphite would be > good. Don't forget the oil holes for the aileron control rod that passes > thru the center of the fuselage. > > I can't speak for the dual controls but the single control had a oversize > hole in a pivot that was too large for the hinge bolt but too small for a > larger bolt. One of our members suggested finding a brass tube that would > fit in the hole to reduce the slop. I remember it took some filing to get it > to fit will but it helped a bunch. Try it you will like the improvement. > > Yes this sounds like the stock trim system. Its not intended to feel right > on the ground but it works well in the air. But by you description it could > be binding on something you should check it out. > > There is at least one optional tail wheel and springs. Which tail wheel do > you have? I never noticed the noise but when I sit in my airplane in the > hanger and play with the controls I'm also making pretend engine noises. If > it bothers you allot you could switch to compression springs which I set up > with some slack so as to reduce stress on the rudder hinge and this should > also reduce the noise also. > > Rick Neilsen > Redrive VW powered MKIIIc > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Aaron Hollingsworth" > To: > Subject: Kolb-List: New Mk3 owner questions > > > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Aaron Hollingsworth" > > > > > I got my used mk3 delivered to my airport and an starting to go over it > inch by inch. I have a few questions. > > > > I noticed the ailerons and elevator squeak when moved. The movement is > pretty smooth, though not nearly as smooth as my old challenger. The > squeaking I hear is not in the cockpit, and sounds like somewhere below the > engine or in the wing length. What is recommended to lube the control tubes, > joints? How smooth should the controls be. > > > > Control slop: There is a bit of play in the left stick (dual controls) and > it looks like the play is mostly coming wear on the pivot hole. The right > side is a bit tighter but does have a little bit of dead play side by side > before it moved the aileron (1/16th of an inch maybe.) How much play is > normal. Suggestions to fix? > > > > Elevator trim: Do all Mk3s have elevator trim? all kolbs? The spring > loaded trim system is a bit funky. It is hard to describe, but when full > trim is added and you move the stick forward (really hard to push forward) > and let it come back it doesn't come back smoothly, it pops back in 2 or > three chunks.. I did not notice this flying, but did notice it in the > hanger. Is there any kits to add electric elevator trim? Suggestions? > > > > Tailwheel springs: there are left and right springs mounted to the > tailwheel arm. The squeak like hell. While it flys great, it sounds mickey > mouse when moving your rudder sounds like your bouncing on a pogo-stick. > Anything to smooth this out? > > > > Thanks in advance! > > > > Aaron > > - > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 01:05:02 PM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > Its seems to me that something is moving and reducing the > flow of fuel to the carbs. Ron/All: Why do you suppose this would happen if the aircraft was operating normal prior to the loss of the lexan window and prop strike? You think the prop strike changed the fuel system? If one prop operated fine, until it got hit with a window, and the replacement prop had a problem, do you think it might be a prop problem rather than a fuel problem? I don't know if he has a ground adjustable, fixed pitch, or what. We'll have to see what he says if he replies to all this help. Take care, john h ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 01:25:25 PM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Clip-Wing Kolb --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > Homer's designs provide good slow-flight handling when > built to plans. Alter something major like the wing > design, and you become the test pilot of a plane with > unknown (and potentially deadly) flight characteristics. > > Dennis Kirby Mark-3 in N.M. Dennis/All: Thanks for sharing the above. I have been accused of doing more modifying to the Kolbs than anyone else. It may be true. I do not know. However, I have never changed a wing or a control surface, other than shortening the cord of the MK III aileron slightly. This mod was based on a lot of flying hours in the factory MK III, not on blind expectations without prior knowledge of the aircraft's performance. I had a chance to "play" with my MK III last week when I was getting her ready to fly to Mississippi and Mobile, Alabama. The weather was perfect for that type flying. Miss P'fer and I did a couple spins from 3,000 feet AGL, a lot of stalls, and some neat landings. Normally, I do not see the airspeed indicator after I flare. Last week I purposely kept my eye on it as Miss P'fer stalled into her 3 point landing. Indicated airspeed on the Winter ASI was approximately 32 mph with full (40 deg) flaps and a light load (me and about 5 gal gas). At altitude, she stalls at 35 mph full flaps, light load. And about 38 mph clean. Being in ground effect makes a lot of difference in stall speeds. I think I will pass on the VG's for now. Much easier to wash the old gal without all the porcupine quills trying to get me and my wash rag. Take care, john h ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 01:26:45 PM PST US From: "Mike" Subject: Kolb-List: Thanks --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mike" Thanks to all of those who responded to my inquiries concerning a Kolb Firestar or Firefly. I have decided to concentrate my search on the Firestar I or II. So if you have a Firestar for sale let me know. Especially if you have a partial or totally unbuilt kit. However it looks like a completed Kolb is what I will be purchasing as there are more of those around. Thanks again ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 01:46:16 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Clip-Wing Kolb --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike Wash rag around the porcupine quills? You must be kidding! That's what they make washing brushes for, so you can keep your tender fingers away from those evil little knife things, lest you cut yourself and bleed on the pretty paint! (Or at least that's how I have to do it...) Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) do not archive At 03:25 PM 11/11/03 -0600, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > >I think I will pass on the VG's for now. Much easier to >wash the old gal without all the porcupine quills trying to >get me and my wash rag. > >Take care, > >john h ________________________________ Message 29 ____________________________________ Time: 01:55:10 PM PST US From: "Kirk Smith" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" > Why do you suppose this would happen if the aircraft was > operating normal prior to the loss of the lexan window and > prop strike? I didn't follow the whole thread and wasn't aware of the prop strike. Retract all my previous statements on the issue. Snuf Do not archive ________________________________ Message 30 ____________________________________ Time: 03:11:31 PM PST US From: John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck >> Its seems to me that something is moving and reducing >> the flow of fuel to the carbs. > > > Ron/All: > > Why do you suppose this would happen if the aircraft was > operating normal prior to the loss of the lexan window > and prop strike? > john h Hi Ya'll: Been thinking about John Raeburn's engine problem on his MK III. Decided he should toss the 582 and buy a 912. Naw! Just kiddin. Seriously, someone else mentioned he may be overpropped, but the prop is stalling, letting the engine turn 6100 rpm static. Then when he gets rolling, the moving air through the prop helps the prop through the stalled state and into a seriously overloaded two stroke engine. When two strokes get overloaded, they get real rich, and the power comes off. Some, Cuyuna, will quit as soon as they get over rich. Not much margin for error with the old ULII02. Anyhow, I still think he has a prop problem. That is the root of all his problems, besides a loose, and now departed, window. john h ________________________________ Message 31 ____________________________________ Time: 05:08:49 PM PST US From: "Mid-State Sandblasting" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Thanks --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mid-State Sandblasting" I think that there is two here in NC for sale both have 377 engines they would be early firestars I do not know the price, but one comes with a trailer I can try to find out if your interested Randy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" Subject: Kolb-List: Thanks > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mike" > > Thanks to all of those who responded to my inquiries concerning a Kolb Firestar or Firefly. I have decided to concentrate my search on the Firestar I or II. So if you have a Firestar for sale let me know. Especially if you have a partial or totally unbuilt kit. However it looks like a completed Kolb is what I will be purchasing as there are more of those around. Thanks again > > ________________________________ Message 32 ____________________________________ Time: 05:12:11 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: bargain Kolb --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" Just considering the source.................. :-) Do not Archive. STILL no landing gear - grumble grumble. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Kolb Mk III - Vamoose N78LB www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Bean" Subject: Kolb-List: bargain Kolb > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Bob Bean > > I deleted that fellow's post about wanting a basket case.....but if I > didn't already have > a plane I'd sure bid on the Ebay MkII, now at $7900 with six hours to go. > I thought I did pretty good staying (just) under $10,000 on mine. But > think of > all the joy? of building I woulda missed. -Lar's not talking any more. :) > -BB, MKIII, this summer was the first time I've flown ANYTHING in 8 years, > just like riding a bicycle I guess. > > ________________________________ Message 33 ____________________________________ Time: 06:48:13 PM PST US From: Jack & Louise Hart Subject: Kolb-List: FireFly Yaw Trim --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart Saturday, I flew to Painton, MO to a chili dinner. It was a quick trip down and a very slow trip back to K02. What is normally an hour trip took over an hour and thirty minutes. It was cold and so I was wearing a head sock to keep from freezing my face. The head sock covers my ears so that the earphones do not seal out the noise very well. To warm up my legs a little I would dance on the rudder pedals and to make a little better time, I kept pressure on the right rudder pedal to keep the FireFly from skidding. During this process, I noticed that if I held the ball centered the noise level went down. Since noise equates to drag, this indicated the FireFly was slipping through the air a little faster. Yesterday I went back to K02 to gas up the FireFly and check it out after the trip. While I was there, I rotated the belt reduction unit to offset the propeller to the left to compensate for right rudder to center the ball. I made one flight around the pattern. The FireFly required less right rudder pedal pressure on take off and climb out. On down wind cruise, the ball was just about perfectly centered, indicated air speed was higher than normal, and overall noise level was decreased. I have added an update on the bottom of: http://www.thirdshift.com/jack/firefly/firefly56.html It looks a little different, but it flies better than before. Jack B. Hart FF004 Jackson, MO Jack & Louise Hart jbhart@ldd.net ________________________________ Message 34 ____________________________________ Time: 09:04:27 PM PST US From: Ben Ransom Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: Ben Ransom I'm liking John's suggestion that Jon's prop may be on backward, partly cuz it sounds very plausible, partly cuz it makes me laugh, and along with that last reason, partly cuz it wasn't me! :) Honestly Jon, if you did have the prop on backward, just make up something about testing a Kolb canard configuration, but please, you gotta fess up on this one. It's just too much fun! On other matters ...I did break down and ordered some 1.125x.120 4130 to replace the 1.120x.095 legs I bent. I couldn't bring myself to do it without asking an engineer friend for some help. He made up a very nice little excel calculation to see the affect of different wall thicknesses, gear length, Rockwell hardness, etc. To him, this was like a little Solitaire break from his real job. :) I still could never see why I should need the same strength legs on my KXP as JH uses on his Mk III. According to the calculator, and simple reasoning, the only thing that could allow me to stick with the .095 legs would be to get them treated up to RC48. The bottom line is that I'd rather carry the extra 1.2lbs of the thicker wall legs than worry about snapping high Rockwell .095 legs in the boonies someday. Like my earlier set of 4130 legs, I've reamed out the top end that fits inside the cage sleeves. Just need to get wheels aligned, holes drilled, then send them off for heat. -Ben > > Ron/All: > > > > Why do you suppose this would happen if the aircraft was > > operating normal prior to the loss of the lexan window > > and prop strike? > > > john h ===== http://mae.ucdavis.edu/~ransom __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 35 ____________________________________ Time: 11:13:23 PM PST US From: CaptainRon Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Loss of RPM on take- off and climbout --> Kolb-List message posted by: CaptainRon Don't know what is going on with his airplane? what he described is strange. I don't know if anything else has shifted or was rerouted by him. Just gave him a few ideas to pursue. Don't know what all happened with the lexan window either. Its an interesting puzzler. I am waiting from him tell how the airplane behaves in straight cruise flight, as that will at least narrow it down a bit. =============== --- John Hauck wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Hauck > > > > > Its seems to me that something is moving and > reducing the > > flow of fuel to the carbs. > > Ron/All: > > Why do you suppose this would happen if the aircraft > was > operating normal prior to the loss of the lexan > window and > prop strike? > > You think the prop strike changed the fuel system? > > If one prop operated fine, until it got hit with a > window, > and the replacement prop had a problem, do you think > it > might be a prop problem rather than a fuel problem? > > I don't know if he has a ground adjustable, fixed > pitch, or > what. We'll have to see what he says if he replies > to all > this help. > > Take care, > > john h > > > > Click on the > this > generous > _-> > Contributions > any other > Forums. > > http://www.matronics.com/chat > > http://www.matronics.com/subscription > http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm > http://www.matronics.com/archives > http://www.matronics.com/photoshare > http://www.matronics.com/emaillists > > > > > ===== Ron Building M3X Southern Arizona __________________________________