Exhaust(ed)

This weekend we started on the exhaust.  Luckily the gods were with us and after several hours of very very careful and delicate work we were able to get the complete exhaust out of the plane without breaking any studs.

My old exhaust we found is very thin and some of the ends were a little chewed up.  The good news is that I have a whole other exhaust ready to put on the plane.  We opted not to tackle that this weekend but the plan is as soon as we have another free day we will put the 'new' exhaust on the plane and get her going.

Vacations over!

Well after a 2 week vacation, we are back at it!  We've now replaced all of the fuel and brake hoses in the right wing and all the panels are ready to be put back on!

All that's remaining on the left wing is the replacement of the flex fuel hose that is inside the wing.  Once that is done it will be ready as well. 

I am hopeful that we will be able to soon start on the exhaust system.  Replacing the muffler and the aft stack are the only 2 items remaining to be serviced.  After that she goes back in for another inspection, if that passes then she will be airworthy.

Christmas in July

The last pieces have now arrived, the exhaust is all here and made it safe and sound. 

I have a vacation coming up so it will be at least 2 weeks before I will get to work on it....it will be a long 2 weeks lol

More hoses

The pre made hoses arrived today and are all ready to go!

These hoses are pre-made and tested and certified.  It's nice to know that the hoses have been tested to make sure they won't blow out on you under pressure.

All the pieces...

I just received shipping confirmation that the exhaust system has shipped.  That along with the hoses (from http://www.aircrafthose.com/) should all be arriving in the next week, and are the final pieces I need to check off all my items on the annual inspection.

Piper 1973 Sales Flyer

One of the cool things I received with my log books with the sales flyer that Piper used in 1963 for the Cherokee.  Some have asked to see the flyer so I took some pictures and thought I would post them here.

Still more lines

Replacement of all the lines continue.  Today the new oil lines were installed.  

We were also able to fill the struts with nitrogen and that brought them up.

A quick taxi and she's sitting pretty now!

Couldn't help myself

Today was such a beautiful day, after almost 2 weeks of 100 degree days I just had to get back in the air.

No work on Cherokee today...all play time!  Check out the videos in HD!

New fuel lines...

The temp dropped below 100 today to a very chilly 88 so we decided to tackle the fuel lines. 

I'm pleased to report that all fuel lines under the cowling have now been replaced.  In addition all of the fire sleeve on all the fuel lines has been replaced.  

She's coming right along! 

More parts!

Rest of the parts came in today..it's like Christmas at the hangar...

New Firesleeve for all the hoses...

 

New oil / brake and fuel hoses

 New Gaskets!

First new parts arrive!

The first of the new parts arrived today and were installed.

Brand new gasket cover valves!  We removed the old cork gaskets which were old and gross and replaced them with brand new silicone gaskets.  

The older cork gaskets were a pain to get off as they "fuse" to the covers and dry out.

Old gross valve covers and gaskets












New valve cover gaskets in place.  so shiny!

Annual inspection complete

Hey guys,  just wanted to drop a quick update to report that the first inspection for the annual is complete. 

I'm pleased to report that there are no major show stoppers that were found.  We've got the expected hoses that need to be replaced, most due to age time out (8 years minimum), the only issue we've got is the muffler has a hole in it and needs to be replaced.

Other than the muffler and replacement of hoses, it looks like we're on track to get her back in the air soon!

Screw these screws

I have never been more frustrated than trying to change out these screws before the annual.

I spent 6 hours and only got 16 screws out, broke 4,  left at least 9 and broke 3 easy out tools.