engguy wrote:
A simple fix is for a bunch of Wixers and ones with friends in the FAA to
Petition the FAA to let someone like me fixem and make the parts strong enough to last. Its already proven so called experts can goof up and its all cool with the FAA. The proof is in how long they last. And there are lots of failures of engines in aircraft And we know they aren't overhauled in a tent, like in the old WWII days.
The main problem gettting FiFi flying is the FAA, so come on write some letters, lets get things changed for the old planes.
The problem is not actually the FAA. FIFI is an experimental A/C and the FAA has actually been very cooperative. Within reason they really don't care what is done on experimentals. The real problem is that the original engines aren't reliable and there aren't enough usable parts left. On top of that there is only one engine shop that is willing to work on that engine and their prices are higher than an "infield fly" with less than acceptable success. The fix that is proposed involves combining mostly readily available parts of later model engines, which is quite workable, and only being delayed by the lack of humongous vast cubic yards of legal tender in large denominations (West TX translation is a big-ass double buttload of cash) aggrevated by an equally discouraging availability of volunteer labor in the present, somewhat less than ideal, location. That is not to imply that Midland is not well stocked with really good people, it's just that there aren't enough skilled in the required specialties to 'GITTURDUN" in a timely fashion.
Of course that's just my humble opinion. Results may vary and I was almost wrong one time, but that was long ago. I am planning to stay in a Holiday Inn Express over the Xmas holidays though!!