seb7701

Jack, when you’re proclaiming “This was the aircraft”, you probably want to be sure.

That’s not the same aircraft. Looking just now, the strut braced one came off the pilot’s facebook profile.

3 hours ago, jackc said:

This was the aircraft.. 😞 

Just curious, From what I can see of the news photos of the crashed aircraft, it’ seemed to be a wire braced drifter as opposed to this picture of a strut braced model??

RPC to RPL - 6.4hrs including 1.5 hr BFR/check flight. 

Yep, got that issue too....

That's interesting re the single ECU as I wondered if the double ECU was the preferable option or not, but good to see the single setup is giving good service. Make no mistake, I think it looks like a brilliant system for a very reasonable price!!

Well, if it's any help I made an enquiry in November as to cost for a 4cyl and here's what you're in for-

Shipping cost is good, but the add-on, (mostly necessary I would think too...) do tend to add up.

The single ECU, single pump setup is $3100US. Other options:

2nd pump $160

Dual ECU $1200

Wideband kit $150

Cyl. fuel trim $300

Fuel flow $100

PC data logging $100

Air mail shipping would vary between about $110-$145 depending on options.

Not at all very ingenious I know, but I just shine a torch from the top and the 'ol AVGAS lights up pretty well...

I have actually got an MGL fuel flow instrument which also has a gauge in it. If you're after a panel mounted gauge, it could be the go?

Yep, they mention limited availability. Either would be fine I'm sure, but so far I do really dig mine!

I had to replace an Icom and ended up with an MGL V10. Great piece of kit with some good filtering abilities also, not to mention the inbuilt intercom etc. Also had great assistance from both local distributor as well as the South Africa, as I think it was actually one of the designers who replied last I had a question. Just another good option if you need it...

Bruce, here’s a shot from this morning where you will see a difference in the camber, although it’s prob not ideal even now, though works just fine. The legs just lose their stiffness it seems and sag a little. The indicator in last nights photo is when you look and imagine what kind of shimming would be required to get things right which is how I realised there was too much curve / sag in the middle section of the legs.

I wouldn’t look at trying to fix them when the replacement cost was pretty reasonable for something with 180 layers of glass in them. It sounds like you might be following in my footsteps - my originals were new in around 2002. Here’s the new pics. PM me if you like - happy to duck you my number and have a yarn

As M61A1 mentioned, the video of Wayne's tells you it's 'filament tape' which was used around the foam formers and also mentions the size. I got some a while back, so it's around. It also illustrates how to tension the skins. If they aren't rotten, perhaps they could be tightened up a little in the interim if there's enough fabric tail left to get a grip on. I'm afraid they all end up oil stained in the end...

Bruce - I was amazed at the tyre wear I saw between a couple of photos of mine when I realised how little time was between when they were taken them.

Anyhow, my Jab took off and landed ok, but I just didn't seem as I would have expected and used to wander a little unexpectedly and at times deliver some interesting 'sideways' type behaviours too.

It seemed like the legs were fighting each other a little at times. Anyhow, Jab advised that the older straight gear legs do let go over time, although they hadn't see an actual failure.

The crux was when I looked at the camber opposite to what it should have been and realised that correction with shims etc would be absolutely impossible, as the legs themselves had too much curve in them. That when common sense told me the legs had gone floppy!!!

Replacement legs were around $600, upgraded to the bigger gear bolts while I was at it. Very straightforward job and totally transformed the takeoffs and landings - dead straight and that was without a wheel alignment or camber adjustment. Totally different!!! Here's the before shot when you can see the incorrect camber- I can take a snap of the 'after' if you need it...just cant find one atm...

The manual states a smidge of toe is is recommended. Is it tracking straight and true? I only ask as I had ridiculously accelerated tyre wear, but also some interesting behaviours on roll out etc. which turned out to be worn gear legs. New ones transformed it and not with any great attention to alignment.

Thanks for checking Ken, as I must admit, that video would be the most interesting thing yet, given I have actually been checking for smoke machines to try just that very experiement!!

Nonetheless, the lower cowl shots seem to be quite similar to what I have been seeing on the lower cowl of whats now seems quite a famous RV4 of american airflow 'guru' Dave Anders. He had curved bits on his firewall to 'arrange' the flow outwards, like yours. (I'll see if I can find the shot of his...)

Two things I have been wondering about yours (yes, I actually have been...)

1. I don't suppose it's ever best tested without the balance hose between the ducts? (I have been infinitely curious as to whether that would help...)

2. How the intakes on yours compare to mine, as many have opened theirs up quite a bit from the older style top cowl like ours. Yours seems a hybrid of sorts, but bloody hell, it obviously works!!!!

If you ever happen to be walking past yours with the tape measure.....I am still debating whether to open the top or open the bottom more, although I am very much thinking I need to change my lower cowl to this 'overlap' style I spied on a J120 at the factory.

Yep, saw that section, but missed anything about the attachment. Not to worry, back the site I go...

Can anyone shed light on how the injectors are incorporated/attached? Are they tapped into the intake tubes?

Just back from flying and after watching my already somewhat improved fish-mash of EGT's, I want injection BAD!!! Every piece of feedback points to great performance and even better economy!

Hi Kiwi. That soft field technique is exactly what Wayne Fisher showed me at one time. Just released the back pressure and up she went!

Glad you've still got the red beast - and the Rans?

I held off for as long as I could given another avenue I had to avoid the ASIC, but caved in yesterday as, frankly, it's just easier to get a display the bloody thing, stupid or not...

As such, probably easier to get one and you'll be fine no matter WHAT airport you wish to visit.

Thanks Bruce. I figured it would have to have some impact, but the volume aspect makes sense....it won't be a magic fix....dammit!!

Yes, me again...

Among my consideration of enlarging intakes and outlets, I have been considering cheating a little with oil temps and fitting a 6cyl oil cooler in lieu of the black current style 4cyl cooler (or maybe fitting my old skinny style one in addition?). On the days approaching the 30deg mark, I see mid 90’s and maybe the 100 from time to time.

Would I be right to guess that lowering the oil temp could make it easier to cool the CHT’s or am I way off?

Whilst the black 4cyl cooler should do the trick if properly set up, I would say the 6cyl oil cooler would be the quick fix if it didn't require too much mucking around for your particular install. The other temps (CHT's) are not worth thinking about with those numbers - stick to flying it and enjoying!!!

Terrific temps Derek - I am jealous!!! The oil probably is a frag high for 22 deg OAT, but still not scary until ambient gets higher. Which oil cooler are you running - the 4 cylinder (black auto type)?

Feel free to throw up some cowl / intake photos if you feel so inclined - I've seen some really great work written up about Jab installs on Zenith forums.

However some of the problems seen are not adressed directly at all in new models like valves, pistons and flywheel attachment. Theres some good changes for sure but still sourcing low cost parts.All new manufactuers and suppliers for key parts cant assume quality of previous ones.

In some ways the new version could have totally new problems with areas long ago sorted out.

 

Fuel distribution also remains as it was

Yep, there sure is some info out there and it's bit easier reading than NACA reports and WW2 cowl tests!!

Well, at least on the latest Jab engines. There are an interesting bunch of changes, including no head bolts and cylinders which dissipate hear three times more than the old ones but (aside from the cooling woes) I do love my solid lifter engine. From my best guess though, I would say the only problem children would be the hydraulic lifter engines WITHOUT the roller cam, which suffered from resonant vibration I think it was.

I may be frustrated with mine, but still think it's a simplistic work of art when I take the cowl off...especially compared to the five million hoses and wires hanging off the 912's new door...