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>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
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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