The manual says optional. Do they provide clearance for a part of the engine? Im installing the 912is. It seems some install and some do not.
The manual says optional. Do they provide clearance for a part of the engine? Im installing the 912is. It seems some install and some do not.
I simply installed for the looks. I look into the cowl and note that the clearance is very close but likely doable without. Nice thing is, you can get the install of the cowl completed and add them anytime before paint.
Eddie Forward
Flying
SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X
The purpose of the bump cowl is to give the plane the look of having a radial engine, some like it others like the smooth look better, It is just an engine cover with drag reducing qualities either way. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
896tr - I believe they are talking about the smooth cowl, not the traditional "radial-look" round one. Sometimes "bumps" are needed for engine or accessory clearance with engines other than the standard 912. As far as drag-reducing qualities go, the smooth cowl is definitely less "draggy" and more aerodynamic than the round one.
John Evens
Arvada, CO
Kitfox SS7 N27JE
EAA Lifetime
Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime
From Wikipedia:
"The design was originally intended to use a new radial engine then in development and the early Kitfoxes had round cowls with bumps to accommodate the cylinder heads. Although this radial engine did not materialize, and a Rotaxtwo-stroke engine was adapted instead, the "retro" radial cowling proved popular and was retained on many models."
Mike
Jim - That cowl is almost a carbon copy of the Model C/Mark 4 Avid "cheek radiator" cowl, isn't it?
No, they aren't the same. Wonder if some other kit used this Kitfox cowl? My serial # 11 Kitfox cowl came from Kitfox, it was listed in the parts list. Also, I've seen several other early Kitfox 1s with the same cowl. Here is a picture of an Avid MK IV cowl. JImChuk
PS Hope the Idaho trip was a good time, been waiting to hear more about it.