|
|
Gerry:
I just installed a new engine mount after my prop strike where the nose gear folded back. It was only after I installed four of the mounting bolts and was starting on the bottom center bolt that I noticed that there was about an 1/8th inch space between the bolthole flange and the firewall.
I wasnt too excited about the spacing because I understand that each engine mount has its own welding tolerance but this led me to reexamine the rear of the firewall and especially the horizontal plywood reinforcement for the lower engine mount bolt. Eventually, I noticed a small crack in the plywood, almost exactly in the center. Obviously, I had overlooked it in my initial exam of the area, For a fix, I cut out the entire plywood reinforcement and installed a new one with 6 bid all around.
If your plane sustained enough trama to bend both the nose strut and the engine mount, you might want to reexamine the rear of the firewall. I'm glad I did. Good luck. Bill Hogarty
|
|