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Bob:

As I recall, there is a large percentage of first flight (or shortly
thereafter) failures from fuel contamination.  Clean fuel is a must.  Despite
all the precautions,  there is stuff in the tanks, lines, etc.  To me, a good
fuel filter is mandatory.

I bought the "big blue"  fuel filter from Lancair.  Had it for quite a few
years before I figured out a place to put it.  After a lot of head
scratching, the space under the copilots floor between the fuel valve and the
fuel pump was chosen primarily for accessibility and the ability to drain the
filter without spilling fuel inside the aircraft.   Asked for suggestions
from the List.  The only answer I received was from a flier who had installed
it on the firewall between the gascolator and the engine, right above the hot
turbo crossover.  He said it worked fine but I was leary of the engine heat
causing vapor lock and also the probability of fire since the filter as well
as the fittings are aluminum and those two turbos are pretty close and pretty
hot.  

I installed the hydraulic package per the manual but added a 1000 PSI
pressure gauge from a T-33.  That was in addition to the amber " on " light.  
The gauge is really worthwhile as you can watch the flap action as well as
the gear.  Also you get to measure how many days your system holds pressure.  
Like anything else, once you get used to using a gauge, you can't fly without
it.

I would suggest that you add the Lancair Hydraulic filter in the return line
because there is reported to be a lot of metal floating around  in the system
 from  all those cylinders, fittings, lines, etc.

One final idea.  I did not want to have to pull the baggage compartment apart
each preflight to check the level of the hydraulic fluid (we all do that
-right??? ) , so I plumbed a little extension from the hydraulic tank up thru
the " hat rack"  and when I unscrew the fitting, there is a dipstick that
indicates the level of the fluid.  This is readily accessible thru the
baggage door and fluid can be added very easilly  Real neat and cost only a
few $$$ .  

Hope this helps;  happy building,  Bill Hogarty
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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