Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I spent today working on the access area for the fuel sending unit.

Thanks for the update, looking forword to more progress reports

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John Letkeman
N2562K SN.922
Seminole Tx
(KGNC)

You'll be glad you put in that access cover . Comes in pretty handy when you have to calibrate/re-calibrate the sending unit !! BOO YA !

RB

Speaking of cablation, where do I get information on the process

_________________
John Letkeman
N2562K SN.922
Seminole Tx
(KGNC)

The access is now finished and riveted to the boot cowl

I use the Westach fuel gauge and their capacitance fuel probe . Calibrating the fuel gauge is pretty simple . Before I put the probe in the AC I placed it in a 5 gal can of fuel and adjusted the (+) pot screw to read (F) full on the gauge . I then removed 3 gal leaving 2 gallons and adjusted the (-) pot screw until the gauges reads (E) , MT. Why adjust it with 2 gallons in the can ? Gives me a slight margin of error in flight . I know the tank is full when I take off . I then placed the probe in the AC and filled the tank with 28 gallons of fuel and made one more final adjustment with the (+) pot screw to read (F) , full . So far the gauge is accurate to within 1/2 gallon of fuel . At least that's what the fuel pump reading indicates when I fill up . I also use the 1/4 mark measurements on the gauge as each mark gives me about 7 gallons of fuel used . The Westach instructions give the calibration info . BOOM !!

Not sure how you adjust a float type probe ?

RB

Like most things, it all depends. It depends on what is on the other end. I have a float fuel level sender with a Dynon Engine monitor, their procedure is to start with an empty tank and add an increment of fuel, push a button and wait for the monitor to respond, latter, rinse, repeat until the tank is full. Oh, one other thing, it's done with the aircraft in a level flight attitude. Your mileage may vary.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

The best fuel gauge I have found is a wristwatch,fuel on board, vs gallons per hour equals time.

Last weeks work was adding aft fuselage access panels.
One opening on each side

More fabrication work today. Found an awesome deal on a couple gear shift boots. They fit the stick diameter perfectly . Now making the supporting structure and top trim piece.

What model gear shift boot, Terry... I'm looking for same.

d

Glad you found a set to fit . I bought several parts store boots and spent hours online trying to find something that would work . I eventually used some of my heavy duty vinyl material from my seats and side panels and rolled them into a cone and had the local shoe genie sew up one side and then mounted them in a "rounded" cut out piece of 0.050 aluminum . I got the idea to round the piece from Danny Boy. Rounding the piece I was able to clear the stick socket and not have to build a box to raise up the boot . Gave me a couple of inches around the floor area . It has held up fine for 5 years . Still have enough material for a few more .

RB

Here's today's progress. It's easy to get lost in the small stuff and not think much is happening - it'll all come together soon enough
Test fit the floor pans as well as the side panels and panel. Had to put the seat pan in to locate where the throttle quadrant will attach

Looking good, Terry. That brings back memories.

Hey, does anyone know where I can get a spare boot for my master brake cylinder? I have exactly what Terry has in the second photo.

D

Hummmm ? Don't recall seeing any boots on any MC's I've looked at installed in a T-18 ? Sure didn't see any on new cylinders that are listed at ACS . My project may have come with boots on the MC's , but I elected not to install them as it sure looked like to be a pain in the arse to try and bleed the brakes once installed on a completed AC . I'll take a quick look to see if I still have them , but the rubber is over 30 years old and may have foot rot ? New out of the box would be the way to go if you can find them . I'll let yuz know tomorrow .

RB