Engine mounting

Hydraulic reservoir

This morning I finished mounting the hydraulic reservoir on the firewall, then installed all the AN3 firewall attachment bolts. Next I proceeded with the firewall engine mount bolts. Initially I tried to remove them to put 2 washers under the bolt head but some were difficult to remove so I’ve left 1 washer under the bolt head and 3 under the nut. The AC43 mentions 1/8” of washers so I’ll check this with an engineer. The assembly manual mentions 1 to 3 washers under the nut as required.

Engine Mounting

Then the big moment came when I hung the engine. This was generally straight forward and took about 20 minutes. The only difficulty was the final mount and I had to slacken off the others to get enough room to slide the mount in.

Now that it’s all mounted securely, I’ve rearranged the workshop and turned the Bearhawk around. I’ve lifted the tail in order to lower the engine so it’s easier to work on.

Seats

I collected one of the front seats from the upholsterer. They had made a simple layer of foam for the back and seat pads. I cut a wedge to support the thighs, and added wedge strips along the seat sides amd seat back sides to give some contouring. This evening I sat in it for 20 minutes in different positions and it seems comfortable. I’ll sit in it for longer tomorrow morning.

Throttle servo

I bolted the throttle servo under the engine. It’s just a preliminary fit as I also have a 95 degree elbow that I can use to make it into a horizontal induction. What I’m looking at is whether to use the Vans FWF kit filter air box, or make one. If the Vans FAB fits inside the lower cowling then I’ll use it, there’s no contest. If not I have to decide whether to mould an intake into the cowl, or make my own. I’m also contemplating whether to draw the induction air from the main cooling inlet.

Next up will be the exhaust pipes.