Sun Sep 06, 2009 12:25 pm
AAAUUUGGGGHHHH!!!
Last Thursday, we rolled the Rose out and had a very successful full power test run. As we taxied back to the hangar, the new left engine coughed and quit. We knew we were low on fuel, having not needed any for over a year, so we called the fuel truck. Now, she'll start but starves for gas after 15 or 20 seconds. We determined that we could keep her running by using the primer and that the boost pump made no difference. We've checked and have good fuel supply at the carburetor. We will be looking hard at the carb Monday, hoping to find something simple before we have to pull it. But really, how often does a fuel issue on a B-25 turn out to be a simple problem?
Seems like she wants even more attention from us before she will fly. In the meantime, I'm trying to remember why I got involved in working on airplanes...
Last Thursday, we rolled the Rose out and had a very successful full power test run. As we taxied back to the hangar, the new left engine coughed and quit. We knew we were low on fuel, having not needed any for over a year, so we called the fuel truck. Now, she'll start but starves for gas after 15 or 20 seconds. We determined that we could keep her running by using the primer and that the boost pump made no difference. We've checked and have good fuel supply at the carburetor. We will be looking hard at the carb Monday, hoping to find something simple before we have to pull it. But really, how often does a fuel issue on a B-25 turn out to be a simple problem?
Seems like she wants even more attention from us before she will fly. In the meantime, I'm trying to remember why I got involved in working on airplanes...
Sun Sep 06, 2009 1:10 pm
Maybe there is too much air in the A and B chambers, and the diaphram is dried out and needs to be soaked in gasoline? I've seen that happen on carbs that sat idle for a while.
After the carb has some gas in it for a bit, it will correct itself. It'd give that a shot before pulling the carb.
Its worth a shot and doesn't cost anything.
After the carb has some gas in it for a bit, it will correct itself. It'd give that a shot before pulling the carb.
Its worth a shot and doesn't cost anything.
Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:13 pm
bluehawk15 wrote:Hey Ryan!
I just found out yesterday that they ran the engines on Monday. Sorry for the late news.
Jack, yes, there is a mandate as to where the CAF wings are to be placed. CAF HQ determines the best location, which is the same for each type (markings permitting). If there are markings where they would have the "brand", the location is adjusted as needed. Originally there was much more latitude, but CAF HQ soon learned that it would be better to have a "look of uniformity" for the wings, and that placement close to the pilots would pretty much cinch them showing up in air to air photos (photoshop not withstanding!).
Noizeedave, I'd love to not put the wings on, but the owner (CAF) has said it wants the wings and where and what size. But in return for putting the wings on, they let us fly the plane.
Hopefully the wings will do their job and we will see a big increase in
membership, then we can mandate the wings away! Thankfully they are only decals, easily removed.
Lynn, come on over! Someone is usually there Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Now that the B-25 is about to return to the air, we are looking for another significant maintenance/restoration project. There might be one in the works, but I can't say anything about it just yet. As soon as I can, you'll see it here, so watch WIX!!!
Back in the Jack Hart days, they wanted to take on the Me-109/Casa that was looking for a home then so they could have a fighter to go along with the Rose.>>>
Lynn
Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:19 pm
Well Lynn, we already have the P-39 for fighter escort for the Rose, and hopefully in the near future we'll have the P-63F as well. How much safer can you be when you have two cobras protecting you?!?!
Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:35 pm
Well Cuz you could always have a C-47 to protect you.
Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:48 pm
The C-47 protect us? Heck, I thought it was to haul the beer!!!!
Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:51 pm
Beer and the rest of the survivor gear. We just need Slim Pickens to read off the check list and we are ready to go. Got any drivers that are looking for a ride?
Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:41 pm
Cuz, check your PM.
????
Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:19 pm
Seems like she wants even more attention from us before she will fly.
Looking on the bright side. When you're done you'll have a war machine !!
On the other hand Devil Dog sounds like it's going this direction.
Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:45 pm
Love that nose gear. We would have lost the war if we didn't have all those 55 gal. drums for workstands, ladders, props, etc.
Mon Sep 07, 2009 3:09 pm
Aw, the Dog's in better shape than that! They did a bunch of work on her while she was in Midland. The only problem I'm aware of now is the broke engine. Seems like a bunch of R-2600 type engines all went south at about the same time!
Mon Sep 07, 2009 3:26 pm
Obergrafeter wrote:Love that nose gear. We would have lost the war if we didn't have all those 55 gal. drums for workstands, ladders, props, etc.
Amen to that!! And they're still just as equally useful today
Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:32 am
OK, try, try, and try again! Gonna give it a try again on this Saturday, 12 SEP 09! Hopefully the paperwork and the two minor items will be taken care of by then.
If all goes well, the following Saturday, 19 SEP 09, we will do a fly-over of the town of Windcrest (surrounded by San Antonio) about 10am, then press south to Alice for the CAF's Third Coast Squadron's fly-in.
If all goes well, the following Saturday, 19 SEP 09, we will do a fly-over of the town of Windcrest (surrounded by San Antonio) about 10am, then press south to Alice for the CAF's Third Coast Squadron's fly-in.
Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:35 am
Fingers Crossed!
Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:41 am
Well, I'm supposed to be in San Marcos this weekend - but on the other side of the highway.
Hope all goes well!
Ryan
Hope all goes well!
Ryan