Return-Path: Received: from spdmbaaa.compuserve.com ([149.174.206.153]) by ns1.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-64832U3500L350S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Wed, 30 Aug 2000 09:10:35 -0400 Received: (from mailgate@localhost) by spdmbaaa.compuserve.com (8.9.3/8.9.3/SUN-1.9) id JAA04090 for lancair.list@olsusa.com; Wed, 30 Aug 2000 09:17:13 -0400 (EDT) Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 09:16:51 -0400 From: James Frantz Subject: Engine Cowls Sender: James Frantz To: "INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com" Message-ID: <200008300917_MC2-B186-5C87@compuserve.com> X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> >I've heard rumors that structural reinforcement is warranted, particularly on the top, by adding 2-BID of graphite over a 1/4 inch of foam. However, I have only a fuzzy recollection of that and I may have it all mixed up. I've also heard suggestions of aluminum tape where the exhaust tubes run within 1 inch of the cowling. I even remember a thread a while back about ceramic coating the exhaust pipes to reduce radiated heat.< I noticed that some of the 320/360 cowls on finished aircraft did not have nicely shaped tops. I added a 1/4" thich foam core to about 75% of the top of the cowl and bid it in with carbon fiber. It makes the top stiffer. Don't know if this was really necessary but I have not had any problems. I used aluminum tape on the inside of the cowling where the exhaust pipes were discoloring the painted inside surfact of the cowl. Works good for those hot spots assuming you have a smooth painted and clean cowl inside surface which I do. I also used the heat coating on the exterior and interior of the exhaust pipes rather than wrapping the pipes. I don't like wrapped pipes because you will not be able to detect cracks. There was an incident where a pipe fell into the nose gear mechanism and prevented the nose gear from extending all the way. Jim Frantz >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>