Brief Description: Trial fit of the exhaust assembly
I did another fuel tank leak test today. I've lost count of the number of "failures" but this was another one. Must be into double figures soon. I'm getting close to plastering Proseal over all of the inspection holes.
Next job was to add nutplates to the spinner backplates. No pictures, but pretty straightforward. You need to bend the tails very slightly to get the nutplate to sit on the curved surface.
I ignored the advice on the websites to mount the nutplates on the backplate as far forward as possible, thinking I had plenty of clearance between the spinner and the cowling. I now wish I had followed the advice. I may yet have to shave some material off the flange of the backplate.
I also spent some time trial fitting the exhaust. I can locate it so that the exhaust exits through the centre of the hole in the bottow cowl but it is offset to the left of the engine to achieve this. It's natural position is rubbing on the right side of the hole (Picture 1). I may have to enlarge the hole.
As suggested in the plans, I trimmed maybe 1.5 inches off the bottom of the exhaust, cut at an angle so the exit is vertical. Easily done with the tube in a vice, and cut with a hacksaw.
