So, What's the Deal, Sam?

I'm starting to get e-mails from people, wondering what I'm doing. I know, it's pathetic that I'm not flying.

My big hang-up has been getting my custom oil sump resolved. As you may know, I made a low profile sump from carbon fiber and it seemed to do the trick, except that it didn't dissipate enough heat. David Posey was kind enough to offer to build an aluminium one. I'm still fitting that one and coming up with a satisfactory dipstick.

So should that take 5 months? Actually, no.



I have also made some changes to the ignition sensor mount and I think I should have some success with it.




I am hoping to get the new sump installed this week. I need to get my ass in gear.

Composite Oil Sump is 99.4% Complete

Don't try this at home!

There were just a few things to attend to for the oil sump; like installing a filler cap and post curing the thing. You can refer back to this post to see how I got it this far. http://samhoskins.blogspot.com/2008/06/carbon-fiber-oil-sump.html

I was able to get into the composites lab at SIU AvTech to make the final parts. I used an AN825-20D cap and an AN824-20D nut as the final fitting. I intend to insert a 1/8" welding rod as the dipstick. Thanks to Justin Mace for that idea.

After the thing was complete, I used an oven at SIU to post cure it. This particular epoxy remains quite brittle until the crosslink reaction is complete. I kept it at 140 degrees for 10 hours, then ramped it up to 300 degrees for about 20 minutes. This oven has a precise thermostat and a circulating fan. As you can see, it just barely fit!

After I fabricate the dipstick I'll have to shorten the oil sump suction tube. Then it'll be time to bolt it up and add oil!

I sure hope it doesn't leak.