---------------------------------------------------------- Stratus-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 09/03/03: 6 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:18 AM - Re: newbie questions (Gary K) 2. 05:54 AM - Re: Motor mounts (Bill Morelli) 3. 06:04 AM - Re: Motor mounts (Bill Morelli) 4. 08:17 AM - Re: Tach (Bruce Bockius) 5. 03:11 PM - Re: newbie questions (Larry McFarland) 6. 07:43 PM - Re: newbie questions (RLucka@aol.com) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:18:59 AM PST US From: "Gary K" Subject: Re: Stratus-List: newbie questions --> Stratus-List message posted by: "Gary K" Bill, Here's a list of some things to check, and I made some quick notes of the status of the problems/fixes. Do you have dual ignition? If not, it seems like it would be worth adding a second system. I'm also assuming that it's a single-belt drive, the older ones had two smaller belts. When was the engine delivered? Mykal runs Stratus now and is there to provide support but it's basically a one-man part-time operation. The Zenith archives have a lot of info if you search on Stratus. > - valve guide slip (new Stratus guides have clips, RAM guides are machined with a step) > - engine mount (top right on 601 style, needs larger gusset?) > - backup ignition bracket cracks (newer version is .175") > - alternator bracket cracks (newer version is 3/16") > - run both ignitions thru MSD (yes?) - switch to K&N filters (they seem better) - adjust valves to .014" intake and exhaust (manuals vary) Good luck with the project and keep posting your progress and questions. Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Cardell" Subject: Stratus-List: newbie questions > --> Stratus-List message posted by: Bill Cardell > > Folks, > I just picked up a ch601hd, partially built, complete with Stratus EA81, > never fired up. Actually I just *bought* all the stuff, haven't even seen it > yet. Anyway, a few questions. I've heard of guide problems, looked through > the archives a little, but what is the specific problem and what is the > cure? I'm guessing that the guides are sliding in their bores? What other > common weak points, saw the cracking motor mount, has anybody documented a > cure? Does Stratus stand behind the product? Lots of questions, can't wait > to go pick this project up. Feel free to point me toward specific archives, > thanks! > > Bill Cardell (TurboDog's Dad) > bill@flyinmiata.com > Flyin' Miata > 1-800-359-6957 (sales only) > 970-242-3800 (tech support) > http://flyinmiata.com > http://flyinprotege.com > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:54:25 AM PST US From: Bill Morelli Subject: Re: Stratus-List: Motor mounts --> Stratus-List message posted by: Bill Morelli Don, I had my upper right mount reinforced after it also cracked. I had it reinforced with a small plate and added gusset. See http://homepages.together.net/~billvt/ for photos. Regards, Bill >At 213 hours I found a large crack in the upper right motor mount. Mikel >replaced it for me immediately. Now at 305 hours I found the beginnings of >another hairline crack in the same location on the new one. An engineer >friend told me this is a bad design, referring to the gussets and the stresses. > Have any of you found a fix you feel confident in? Don Walker HDS ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:04:56 AM PST US From: Bill Morelli Subject: RE: Stratus-List: Motor mounts --> Stratus-List message posted by: Bill Morelli My we site is at http://homepages.together.net/~billvt/ Bill >Where can we find Bill's website? ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:17:22 AM PST US From: "Bruce Bockius" Subject: RE: Stratus-List: Tach --> Stratus-List message posted by: "Bruce Bockius" Hugh, For about $35 you can buy an optical tach from a model airplane store. You tell it you have a two or three blade prop and then point it at the prop, and it displays the engine RPM. With the right lighting you can easily use it from the cockpit. -Bruce > --> Stratus-List message posted by: "Hugh MacKenzie" > --> > > The VDO is the one I am using as well. How do you check it's > calibration and what equipment do you need? > > Hugh ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 03:11:33 PM PST US From: "Larry McFarland" Subject: Re: Stratus-List: newbie questions --> Stratus-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" > 2) Upper right engine mount cracks. Because of P-factor, this mount may be > subject to more stress than any of the other three. The solution would be to > have more welding done (have an aviation welder do that one). Hi list! You know, it might be worth it to get a preemptive purchased upper right mount from Mykal at Stratus at some equitable discount and beef it up after it arrives. Then, when the obvious happens, you'd scarcely be down for more than an evening. Hmmm,,, Larry McFarland 601 w/Stratus too. ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:43:05 PM PST US From: RLucka@aol.com Subject: Re: Stratus-List: newbie questions --> Stratus-List message posted by: RLucka@aol.com In a message dated 9/3/2003 6:12:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, larrymc@qconline.com writes: > Hi list! > You know, it might be worth it to get a preemptive purchased upper right > mount > from Mykal at Stratus at some equitable discount and beef it up after it > arrives. > Then, when the obvious happens, you'd scarcely be down for more than an > evening. > I've thought about that, but now my mount is beefed up quite a bit and it's possible I'll never see a crack again. If no crack appears, then the extra mount might never get used. So, it would be better to get the mount beefed up when you are not flying or flying much (like the winter time). The aviation welder here charged me $30 to beef mine up. How much would a new mount would cost? Dick