We removed the engine and placed it on the stand after I made a slight modification. It was now very difficult to move after unhooking the hydraulic hoist. I used a crowbar to lift one end and put a steel pipe under it. We then rolled it under the table on the pipe to stow it out of the way.
I then proceeded to cut a 3/4" inch hole for the bolt to be inserted into the nose gear mount through the firewall from inside the fuselage. Next came a 2" hole for the cabin heater box valve. I used the bi-metal hole saws from the Rigid kit that I bought at Home Depot. It was tedious but it went through the stainless steel ok. Charlotte sat in the fuselage with her foot on a oak backup board for the big hole. I used 1/8" pilot holes to start the larger bit with the hole saw. I was pleasantly surprised at how efficiently they worked with the 1/2" cordless drill that I borrowed from my brother, Clark.
We then realized that the doubler for the fuelline fitting would interfere with the throttle pass through hole. We also don't like Van's method of using plastic bushings with RTV for engine control penetrations. Not much protection in the event of an engine fire! We'll cogitate on that tonight and pick it up tomorrow.
Engine stowed under table.
Nose gear 3/4" bolt hole and 2" cabin heat valve hole.
