Warbird Information Exchange

It was a frustrating day; Rich worked super hard getting her ready and his install was wonderful. Unfortunately the cap for this line (not part of the engine install but the low pressure line which is monitored when the engine is run in on the test truck) wasn't secured and came loose about 15 minutes into the first flight. Oil pressure stayed constant (but Glenn you're right we are concerned about the top end). I was in the airport environment so I got her on the ground within about 3 minutes of first seeing the smoke trail.

Here's a shot that someone sent me during the roll-out. It's messy but doesn't show the stream of oil that Rich saw when I was taxiing in. We're going to push her in the corner and get the Roush engine in Princess, hopefully in time for Reading. Then we'll do an autopsy on the top end. Jim

I need batteries for my camera so I thought I would update things.
Princess should have the engine removed this weekend, hopefully tomorrow.
On Bald Eagle we had a chance to look at some things in the top end. The Cam lobes all had an oil film on them as well as the Cam Towers which hold the Cam in place. We have looked over things in the top end and have determined that we will progress to some ground runs.
Hopefully I'll have some pics to post in the AM.
Rich

Hey Rich, as Jim knows, I have been working on building a computer model of the 'Princess' and I would love to see any photos you can share of the P-51C while she undergoes the engine change.

I am very sorry to hear of the bad luck with Bald Eagle, but I'm sure glad that nothing turned out to be too serious. Thank you for the photos and progress reports you have already provided!

Rich:
How are the oil screens/filters?
VL

Here are a few photos -- screens to be checked next with ground runs and if all well will fly her again. btw we also have the oil line caps with safety wire now

B bank 1 & 2:


A bank:


gears on a bank:


oily tower:


Princess' prop coming off:


Jim

Wet caps...no burn... no galling..nice.. Thanks for the photos and story...Beautiful machine..

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DBF

Rick,
Thank you so much for posting picture updates of the progress on these beautiful birds.
Never in my life would I dream of being able to see the inner workings of these warbirds. Thank you for taking the time to provide this joy in my life.
Good to see no serious damage to the valvetrain and hope to see Bald Eagle where she belongs too.
Regards,
Mark

Rich,I presume a film of oil means that it was still getting pumped around there until switch off ?
Could you explain why you are changing Princes's Merlin,is it due for overhaul or would you rather have a differently overhauled one in there?

Do you get a part exchange from the overhaulers if you send them one in return or will it be a spare?

Apologies for all the questions!
Cheers, Alan

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Those that can do,those that can't be bothered,TALK about it.
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http://beechrestorations.wordpress.com/about-us/
http://www.classicflight.com.

[quote="JohnTerrell"]Hey Rich, as Jim knows, I have been working on building a computer model of the 'Princess' and I would love to see any photos you can share of the P-51C while she undergoes the engine change.
Hi John, I took this one at the "Gathering". Its not too clear, but may help.
Thanks for the posts guys. They give those of us who dream of being a warbird owner much pleasure.

We had an interesting visitor this morning.
William Smith, who flew P-51s out of Italy in WWII dropped in on us.
He lives in the area and his son and granddaughter drove him out to see us.




Rich

Here is some random pics of Princess I took to help when I put the new motor in.






There is more. Let me know if you want them posted.
Rich

Great pictures Rich,keep them coming if you can!

_________________
Those that can do,those that can't be bothered,TALK about it.
Volunteer with Classic Flight and a member of Beech Restorations team.
http://beechrestorations.wordpress.com/about-us/
http://www.classicflight.com.

Being a well oiled machine Bald Eagle is going out again soon here.
Rich

Again a great set of pics, out of interest what fingers are you using in the Merlins?

Mission Accomplished-
1 successful flight-finally.

Coming back clean- yea!

Rich