bbs428 Build

[airlina]

Just in time to start some spring adventures into some neat airstrips. Have fun Brett. Bruce N199CL

[bbs428]

About 50 hrs. on this aircraft and a few squawks have shown up.
One has been solved (fingers crossed) the other is still there, but a fix is on the way.

The first involved the primary alternator voltage regulator c/b popping during climb-out.

I have the B&C LR3D-14 coupled to the B&C L-40 alternator. Checked the installation and wire routing and when that turned up nothing unusual, I sent the regulator in for test & check. It tested fine, but on that call to B&C, I turned up a nugget of info. The tech told me that the regulator c/b popping has been known to happen when the field connector terminal on the alternator was making intermittent contact. The connector is a nylon "T" style with female spade type terminals. I squeezed them a bit smaller, reconnected it and the squawk is gone. After 10 hrs. of flying, I'm declaring it fixed!

Alternator close-up.jpg

The second one is still plaguing me, but a fix is in the works, and it involves the oil thermostat.


Usually on the first flight of the day, on climb-out, the oil temp starts to max out in the red. By about the time you catch it and throttle back it hits about 230deg, then it quickly comes back down to 160-180 and is usually fine after that but then after a complete cooldown it then repeats.
Not the most confidence inspiring thing to happen!

I have the Perm-cool thermostat and it's supposed to activate between 180-190 deg.
Oil Thermostat.jpg


I troubleshot the wiring and it all tested good. I had a new oil temp sender, so I replaced the old one just to eliminate one of the puzzle pieces. No joy. The thermostat is in "no man's land" behind the engine. Here in SW Missouri, the bigger problem is excessive heat, not cold so I'm going to bypass the thermostat on my next foray under the bonnet during the next oil change. It's a real pita to remove and replace it atm, I've decided to permanently leave it bypassed. Someday I'll remove it when it's practical to do so.


Other than that, it's been fair winds and following seas!

I was able to overcome my excessive fear of crosswinds and really tackled them head on by getting out there and practice, practice, practice!
If I get to crossed up, get off centerline, or bounce, I go around and try again. Max crosswind component I have been in is 10-15mph gusting to 20. I prefer wheel landings almost all the time unless it's dead calm. You can usually find a time it in between the gusts to get her down safely.

You must respect the wind! (quote from my CFI)

While I prefer 5-10mph winds right down the runway or a quartering crosswind vs. a full 90 deg, you cannot fly in the mid-west and not have some sort of crosswind, especially in the afternoon. So, you just learn to deal with it and conquer the fear. More than a few times the upwind wing has started to lift on rollout and a quick reaction and application of flaperon takes care of it. Being quick and lively on the rudder goes without saying! I do not use any flaps in a crosswind.

IMG_2227.jpg

I'm going to Oshkosh this year if all in my world aligns properly. If that does happen, I hope to see you all there!

[Kitfox Pilot]

I had the exact same problem with another brand oil thermostat, took it off and have had no other temp problems. Water thermostat is all one needs for quick warm up. The warm water will warm the oil right up I have found.
Glad you are getting it all lined out and some good flying in!