brunobl
08-26-2007, 07:20 PM
I put this on "the other" forum, but I thought I should hear the opinions of HF folks on this:
Due to my lack of experience with gassers during assembly/first few pull starts on the Spectra, the secondary engine plate (#125-43) key holes got worn down to the point that now the pull-starter pops off on every start attempt. I probably mis-judged the torque on the 4 bolts to keep the pull-starter permanently on, so the keyholes were damaged.
Of course the solution is to order another engine plate (and setting it right this time), but overseas shipping/customs/etc will keep the Spectra grounded for a long time while this is processed (electric starting is not an option for me).
I decided to replicate the CF engine plate and use it while the MA part doesn't arrive. I wondered which material I should make it from (CF in the required shape/dimensions is not available here). I initially thought of 1/16" fiberglass stock, but it occurred to me that the engine was not meant to be insulated from the bottom frame, so I settled on 1/16" aluminum sheet. This is just marginally thicker than the original plate, but since I originally had more clearance then the specified 0.020" at the clutch, the added plate thickness actually was a good thing IMO.
You see one of the original CF plate distorted/damaged keyholes and the home-made aluminum plate in the photos below.
Is there any obvious reason that I should not to use the aluminum plate? The engine aligned properly at the specified clearance, using this home-made plate. I don't plan on using it for an extended period of time (just until the MA part arrives) and wonder if there are any issues that I might have overlooked in my eagerness to get the heli off the ground again.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Due to my lack of experience with gassers during assembly/first few pull starts on the Spectra, the secondary engine plate (#125-43) key holes got worn down to the point that now the pull-starter pops off on every start attempt. I probably mis-judged the torque on the 4 bolts to keep the pull-starter permanently on, so the keyholes were damaged.
Of course the solution is to order another engine plate (and setting it right this time), but overseas shipping/customs/etc will keep the Spectra grounded for a long time while this is processed (electric starting is not an option for me).
I decided to replicate the CF engine plate and use it while the MA part doesn't arrive. I wondered which material I should make it from (CF in the required shape/dimensions is not available here). I initially thought of 1/16" fiberglass stock, but it occurred to me that the engine was not meant to be insulated from the bottom frame, so I settled on 1/16" aluminum sheet. This is just marginally thicker than the original plate, but since I originally had more clearance then the specified 0.020" at the clutch, the added plate thickness actually was a good thing IMO.
You see one of the original CF plate distorted/damaged keyholes and the home-made aluminum plate in the photos below.
Is there any obvious reason that I should not to use the aluminum plate? The engine aligned properly at the specified clearance, using this home-made plate. I don't plan on using it for an extended period of time (just until the MA part arrives) and wonder if there are any issues that I might have overlooked in my eagerness to get the heli off the ground again.
Thanks for your thoughts.