I have had a number of nagging issues that, while not flight critical, were annoying. These included leaks from my hydraulic pump and nose gear door actuator for the gear retraction system, seeps from the valve covers and breather lines, and the like.
I also got an airworthiness bulletin from Anti Splat Aero, the company that manufactures the air oil separator I installed to keep the belly clean. Apparently, an RV was forced down and trashed an engine after the exhaust line into the manifold coked shut and blew the engine seals. They kindly supplied a pressure relief valve to be plumbed in line and recommended checking the fitting at the manifold immediately and at every annual inspection thereafter. If anyone out there has this device, make sure you install the fix it kit immediately. I'll show you what I found when I opened up mine.
I also decided to remove, inspect and clean the lower spark plugs and change the oil while the cowling was off.
The plan was to get up early on Thursday, load up the plane and fly over to Smoketown at 7:00 to my A&P, Dennis Glick at Dutchland Aviation. He has helped me build and maintain both my Velocities and has been invaluable. He is based at Smoketown Airport (S37) and I highly recommend him.
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The plane is loaded up with wing jacks, tools and parts. I made these wing jacks for about $20 each and they have served me well for years.
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The weather is not great with 2,800 foot ceilings and rain, but Smoketown is in sight in a few minutes.
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I pull up at Dennis' place right on time at 7:30 a. m.
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We pull the plane right in. Dennis, on the right, starts installing the air oil separator safety valve while Jerrod pulls parts to get to the hydraulic pump. I start removing valve covers to replace gaskets.
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I pull the air oil separator line from the manifold and sure enough, there is coke build up inside the outlet. It is hard, but brittle and I clean it out with no problem. I will definitely do this every year.
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The spark plugs are pulled and turn out to be in great shape. Apparently I'm doing something right. Since they are out, Dennis cleans and sand blasts them to perfection.
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I pull the valve covers and find the cork seals are worn and dried out. I have bought premium silicone seals to replace them. I use a wire wheel to remove the stuck on gasket from the covers, then a gasket scraper to remove it from the case. It's tedious but satisfying to get them nice and clean - ready for the new gaskets.
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All cleaned up and ready to reinstall with a nice new gasket. Only 5 more to go....
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All done and looking good. This should be tight and seep free for a cleaner cowl.
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We find the cause of the annoying red stripe that appears on the belly after every flight. The reservoir tank for the hydraulic pump is all cracked and leaks like a sieve. Luckily, I have ordered a replacement from Velocity and brought it along.
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Aaaargh! The replacement tank they sent me is almost identical, but has the mounting holes in a slightly different location. I call Velocity, but they don't have the right one in stock. I call their supplier - same thing. I spend the next hour calling all over the country to find someone who can ship one overnight. No luck.
Almost as an afterthought, I call a local boat repair place. They have one on their bench and would be willing to sell it to me for twenty bucks. They are only 2 miles away. Saved!
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I put the plane up on the wing jacks then go get the part. The plane looks like it's moving 100 mph even when standing still. I love the looks.
I use the airport courtesy car to run over to get the part. This truck has got to be older than my kids.
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After working on the retract system, we put the plane on jacks and cycle the gear multiple times. Here is a video of retraction and extension of the gear.
All the fixes are done and I pull the plane out for a run up.
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I taxi out to Runway 10 and head home.
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Back at the hangar I check and there is no stripe on the belly! I put her away and look forward to some flying over Memorial Day Weekend.
More to come.
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