Got out to the shop this morning and the first thing I did is remove all of the dessicant plugs and change the dessicant as it was showing it was time to be done.
I moved next to finish up the Alternate Air flange and door. I started by cleaning some flox off a bit of the flange and some of the holes. I then installed the pull rivets and used my scotch brite disc to dress up the flange and blend the rivet heads into the flange to be certain the edge of the rivets would not protrude at all and hinder the door closure or operation.
I finished the door by countersinking the hole for what will be the actuator arm on the left side of the door and got the hardware for the screw that will act as the door hinge. The key to this simple set up is that the Alternate Air is seldom....if ever, used. It's purpose is to bypass the air filter should it become clogged with ice, snow, or other debris and opening the Alternate Air Door will allow "unfiltered air" to feed the engine needs for combustion. Once again....some aircraft go through their life span without ever using it.....but to not have one available to meet the potential issue of a clogged filter is an unnessary risk!
I bought bolts that could be safety wired to replace the ones I have on my crankshaft seal retainer plates in the front of the engine. I ordered a pack of 5 bolts and only when I removed the flywheel did I realize it has six bolts......so I will order more. I installed the 5 but will wait to torque and safety wire till I get the next one.
