June 12th First Engine Run

With the windshield installed and the Engine installation complete save for a run-up,  I wheeled the still wingless bird outside and tied down the tail.  I'd like to be able to report that the A65 fired up on the first pull but...  Well actually it did fire up and run briefly, but then quit.  after repeating this a couple of times I knew something was off with the Stromberg, so back in the shop.

It's been a long while since I rebuilt the carb.  I thought perhaps some debris got in or something but nope, it was clear that I'd messed up the float setting.  Anyway, somehow I managed to get an extra fiber washed under the float valve housing.  Once removed I rechecked the float level setting and reassembled and reinstalled the carb,  wheeled CF-CLR outside again for take two:

During the run-up the throttle cable failed (Stiff/sticky) so I need to change that and I must have nicked the crank seal on installation.  It doesn't leak while the engine is running, but drips a few drops after shutdown.  So I have a new throttle cable and crank seal on the way.

Headliner is done, shoulder harnesses in, windshield and top retaining strip installed, and the seat and door panels are nearly ready.  Tomorrow, if all goes well, the wings go on :)

June 2018

Well progress has been made and I hesitate to say it but there may even be a glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel.

My frustrations with topcoat continued but I finally managed to finish the right wing which is the last of the major assemblies in terms of paint.  Just a few small parts left to paint and I'll need the space in the hangar for wing installation, so I dismantled my paint booth.  Glad to see the back of it!

Look for updates in the Wings and Final Assembly sections.

I've also started the process of assembling all the paperwork and compiling a work report to make the CofA application.  I need to find scales, need to do a compass swing, and a test flight.  One problem is I have no Taylorcraft time since I last flew this aircraft... in 1989!  Don't panic but there are many details to look after.

My parts and paint shelves are getting empty however so I must be getting close!!