Removed duct tape holding baggage door during cure. Operated door. Works very smoothly. Sanded door attach layup from yesterday.
Started work on baggage door lock/latches. Drilled 3/8" phenolic for lock frame and 1/16" aluminum backing plate. Elongated backing plate holes to accomodate "flats" on lock body.
Removed cowling. Disconnected all electrical, fuel and control lines from engine. Removed engine and packed in crate.
This engine has never been started. It's a zero time since rebuild Performance Engines IO-550EXP. Performance Engines used to be a top shop used by Reno racers and major aerobatic competitors. Based on this reputation, I purchased an engine from them. Since that time there have been inumerable problems with these engines. Performance Engines no longer answers their phone or returns emails. Other Lancair owners have had serious problems with these engines, have lost trust in Ron Monson, owner of Performance Engines, and have had them overhauled by other shops.
Even without starting the engine, I have had problems with Performance that has caused me to loose all confidence in their work. Therefore, I have decided to remove the engine and send it to Barret Engines in Tulsa for complete tear down, inspection and overhaul including new pistons.