Original Posted By: Ed0248(at)aol.com
To all,Well I finally started the freshly rebuilt corvair last Friday night , itstarted after the second revolution. Just in time for the Brampton airshow.Everyone loved the Piet. I even made the evening news. I plugged the 70thAnniversary.After the public had gone home and most air traffic ceased Sunday night Iran up the engine and had the RPM checked by the Brampton Mechanic with hisdigital infra-red instument,(my mini-tack was right on), then took it up.It felt much better than the first flight. Attitude was normal, however if Ilet go of the stick the plane pitched down and required intervention tostop the downward movement. Over all though it was much better than thefirst flight. There was some prop. unloading. Best static was 2620 and inthe air it improved to 2700 RPM. The extra 100 RPM made some difference.Speed was 65 Kts.This looked like I was on the right track... Then I heardsome hick-up in the engine, started to smell burning oil, and in no time oilwas everywhere. The RPM dropped to 2400 but oil pressure was still O.K.. Iwas 1/2 mile from the airport and made a beeline for the active. There wasno one in the circuit so it was easy to set up for the landing. The problemwas the windshield was covered with oil so I had to look to the sides. WhenI did that, my goggles started to get coated with oil, but by now I was justa few hundred feet from the button. The oil temp. went from 170 to 260degrees. It was a good landing even if it was a little long. After I taxiedback, and wiped down the plane, I checked how much oil I had lost , it was 3out of 6 quarts, so the bottom end at least is saved. Tonight I'll open itup and explore the cause. I think the front seal blew. I still think I'mrunning a little lean. I was going to do the propane test tonight... toolate now. A lesson learned here, test first... fly later. I suspect anotherpiston melt down.Time is running out, It doesn't look good for Broadhead this year. Too bad,Iwas all pumped up.Will keep you informed on my progress,Domenic________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Corvair Piet.
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: robert hensarling
>My heart sank when I read the above words. Then I thought it is all part of the process of learning. I hope to be doing the same soon. I am installing the pistons in my Corvair today or tomorrow. Keep us posted as I am learning alot from your posts.Keep the faith,William Koucky________________________________________________________________________________
>My heart sank when I read the above words. Then I thought it is all part of the process of learning. I hope to be doing the same soon. I am installing the pistons in my Corvair today or tomorrow. Keep us posted as I am learning alot from your posts.Keep the faith,William Koucky________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By:> BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC
Well Domenic, I hope that it's not a piston and just an easy fix. Ifinally got the head pulled on my parts engine last night. One cylinderwas seriously corroded, including the head. Thought it would be a goodhead to practice the dual ignition conversion on if I change my mind and gothat route. Just confirm you are using the stock single ignition(slightlymodified as per previous posts). I had about 30-40 pages of literature oncorvair conversions. It was a letter type newsgroup in the early to mid70's discussing various aspects. Virtually all had problems with leanmixtures when using single crabs. The solution never came up in theletters I have. As frustrating as your setbacks must be I'm sure a lot ofus would love to be at the stage you are at. Best of luck with therepairs!Wayne Sippola, Winnipeg
Well Domenic, I hope that it's not a piston and just an easy fix. Ifinally got the head pulled on my parts engine last night. One cylinderwas seriously corroded, including the head. Thought it would be a goodhead to practice the dual ignition conversion on if I change my mind and gothat route. Just confirm you are using the stock single ignition(slightlymodified as per previous posts). I had about 30-40 pages of literature oncorvair conversions. It was a letter type newsgroup in the early to mid70's discussing various aspects. Virtually all had problems with leanmixtures when using single crabs. The solution never came up in theletters I have. As frustrating as your setbacks must be I'm sure a lot ofus would love to be at the stage you are at. Best of luck with therepairs!Wayne Sippola, Winnipeg
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: kyle ray
wayne wrote:> > Well Domenic, I hope that it's not a piston and just an easy fix. I> finally got the head pulled on my parts engine last night. One cylinder> was seriously corroded, including the head. Thought it would be a good> head to practice the dual ignition conversion on if I change my mind and go> that route. Would you be boldly going were none have gone before, or have there been others who have successfully convertedfor dual ignition?Pat________________________________________________________________________________
wayne wrote:> > Well Domenic, I hope that it's not a piston and just an easy fix. I> finally got the head pulled on my parts engine last night. One cylinder> was seriously corroded, including the head. Thought it would be a good> head to practice the dual ignition conversion on if I change my mind and go> that route. Would you be boldly going were none have gone before, or have there been others who have successfully convertedfor dual ignition?Pat________________________________________________________________________________
> Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: steve(at)byu.edu
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was apiston>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ballspark>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the specfor it>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new pistonfrom>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modifythe>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in apinch.>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with anO-200>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for$5.K with>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. Thatcheap>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the tempsensor is in>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probablycloser to>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to getback to>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if myheads>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage.Could it be>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte originalfan. I>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as wellas the>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines andnot the>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't pushanymore>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's onlyonce a>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with myairplane on>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.> ---------->From: Thomas E Bowdler>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>Dom!> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stoppedconstruction,>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying aPiet so>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finishmine.>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still havelots of>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>Friday so may have to stay home.> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some areproposing>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, splicedlongerons,>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was thelast>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) andhe>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it toOSH>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't bepart>of it.>Have fun, and don't give up!>Tom>________________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was apiston>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ballspark>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the specfor it>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new pistonfrom>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modifythe>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in apinch.>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with anO-200>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for$5.K with>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. Thatcheap>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the tempsensor is in>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probablycloser to>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to getback to>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if myheads>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage.Could it be>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte originalfan. I>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as wellas the>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines andnot the>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't pushanymore>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's onlyonce a>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with myairplane on>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.> ---------->From: Thomas E Bowdler>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>Dom!> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stoppedconstruction,>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying aPiet so>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finishmine.>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still havelots of>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>Friday so may have to stay home.> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some areproposing>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, splicedlongerons,>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was thelast>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) andhe>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it toOSH>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't bepart>of it.>Have fun, and don't give up!>Tom>________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: Thomas E Bowdler
"'Piet. Discussion Group'" Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a pistonmelt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball sparkplug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for itbut found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston fromClark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify thecarb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated thecompression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated thecompression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch. Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K withonly 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheapwith the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is inthe oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back tothe airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if my headsare getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it bemy pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. Ihate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as thealternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and not thecorvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't push anymoreI'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once ayear and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane onit. I'll be bringing them to Brussels. ----------________________________________________________________________________________
"'Piet. Discussion Group'" Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a pistonmelt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball sparkplug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for itbut found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston fromClark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify thecarb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated thecompression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated thecompression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch. Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K withonly 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheapwith the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is inthe oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back tothe airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if my headsare getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it bemy pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. Ihate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as thealternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and not thecorvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't push anymoreI'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once ayear and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane onit. I'll be bringing them to Brussels. ----------________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By:> Patrick Panzera
The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convert todual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built a pusheraircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for thecorvair engine. He used corvair carbs and tried the 110, 140 and 180 turboversions. He tried two methods of dual conversion, the better being asecond distributor driven off the end of the camshaft on the vib damperside firing plugs placed directly below the current corvair plugs at thebottom of the head angled in at about 45 degrees. Hope this makes sense. I'll check my info reference plugs for Domenic.Wayne Sippola
The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convert todual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built a pusheraircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for thecorvair engine. He used corvair carbs and tried the 110, 140 and 180 turboversions. He tried two methods of dual conversion, the better being asecond distributor driven off the end of the camshaft on the vib damperside firing plugs placed directly below the current corvair plugs at thebottom of the head angled in at about 45 degrees. Hope this makes sense. I'll check my info reference plugs for Domenic.Wayne Sippola
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: walter evans
Domenic, the info I have recommends the Champion UL-15Y as being designedfor the corvair. This is an exert from a how to hotrod a corvair book. The Chevy Corvair shop manual recommends the AC44FF. Of course neithersource was flying corvairs.Wayne Sippola ________________________________________________________________________________
Domenic, the info I have recommends the Champion UL-15Y as being designedfor the corvair. This is an exert from a how to hotrod a corvair book. The Chevy Corvair shop manual recommends the AC44FF. Of course neithersource was flying corvairs.Wayne Sippola ________________________________________________________________________________
>> Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: "Conrad, Bart D"
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Dom,>For what it's worth, my copy of William Wynnes Corvair manual says "Use>only AC44F plugs. The 44FF was the original plug for the Corvair, but they>are no longer made. The 44F is slightly shorter. If this plug is notright>for your conditions, run a colder AC plug. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES useplugs>such as Bosch, ND,or any other brand.>The plug that Bosch lists for the Corvair in their catalog is 3/16" TOO>LONG". Don't know if means anything to your particular circumstance.>>>>From: "BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC" >>Reply-To: Pietenpol Discussion >>To: Pietenpol Discussion >>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 09:47:00 -0400>>>>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a piston>>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball spark>>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for it>>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston from>>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify the>>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch.>>>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200>>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K>>with>>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheap>>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is>>in>>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to>>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back>>to>>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if myheads>>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it>>be>>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. I>>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as>>the>>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and notthe>>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't pushanymore>>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once a>>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane>>on>>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.>> ---------->>From: Thomas E Bowdler>>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>>>Dom!>> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,>>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet so>>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine.>>>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots of>>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>>Friday so may have to stay home.>> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.>> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposing>>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,>>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the last>>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and he>>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSH>>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be part>>of it.>>Have fun, and don't give up!>>Tom>>>Larry Ragan>Jacksonville, Fl.>lragan(at)hotmail.com>>>________________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Dom,>For what it's worth, my copy of William Wynnes Corvair manual says "Use>only AC44F plugs. The 44FF was the original plug for the Corvair, but they>are no longer made. The 44F is slightly shorter. If this plug is notright>for your conditions, run a colder AC plug. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES useplugs>such as Bosch, ND,or any other brand.>The plug that Bosch lists for the Corvair in their catalog is 3/16" TOO>LONG". Don't know if means anything to your particular circumstance.>>>>From: "BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC" >>Reply-To: Pietenpol Discussion >>To: Pietenpol Discussion >>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 09:47:00 -0400>>>>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a piston>>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball spark>>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for it>>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston from>>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify the>>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch.>>>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200>>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K>>with>>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheap>>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is>>in>>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to>>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back>>to>>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if myheads>>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it>>be>>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. I>>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as>>the>>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and notthe>>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't pushanymore>>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once a>>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane>>on>>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.>> ---------->>From: Thomas E Bowdler>>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>>>Dom!>> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,>>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet so>>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine.>>>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots of>>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>>Friday so may have to stay home.>> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.>> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposing>>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,>>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the last>>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and he>>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSH>>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be part>>of it.>>Have fun, and don't give up!>>Tom>>>Larry Ragan>Jacksonville, Fl.>lragan(at)hotmail.com>>>________________________________________________________________________________
> Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: "David B. Schober"
Dom,For what it's worth, my copy of William Wynnes Corvair manual says "Use only AC44F plugs. The 44FF was the original plug for the Corvair, but they are no longer made. The 44F is slightly shorter. If this plug is not right for your conditions, run a colder AC plug. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use plugs such as Bosch, ND,or any other brand.The plug that Bosch lists for the Corvair in their catalog is 3/16" TOO LONG". Don't know if means anything to your particular circumstance.>From: "BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC" >Reply-To: Pietenpol Discussion >To: Pietenpol Discussion >Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 09:47:00 -0400>>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a piston>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball spark>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for it>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston from>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify the>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch.>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K >with>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheap>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is >in>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back >to>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if my heads>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it >be>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. I>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as >the>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and not the>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't push anymore>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once a>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane >on>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.> ---------->From: Thomas E Bowdler>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>Dom!> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet so>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine.>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots of>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>Friday so may have to stay home.> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposing>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the last>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and he>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSH>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be part>of it.>Have fun, and don't give up!>TomLarry RaganJacksonville, Fl.lragan(at)hotmail.com________________________________________________________________________________
Dom,For what it's worth, my copy of William Wynnes Corvair manual says "Use only AC44F plugs. The 44FF was the original plug for the Corvair, but they are no longer made. The 44F is slightly shorter. If this plug is not right for your conditions, run a colder AC plug. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use plugs such as Bosch, ND,or any other brand.The plug that Bosch lists for the Corvair in their catalog is 3/16" TOO LONG". Don't know if means anything to your particular circumstance.>From: "BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC" >Reply-To: Pietenpol Discussion >To: Pietenpol Discussion >Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tue, 15 Jun 1999 09:47:00 -0400>>Nah I won't give up. I took the left bank off last night. I was a piston>melt down along the edge. It happened where I moved this odd-ball spark>plug. I now suspect it is a hot plug. Brian tried to find the spec for it>but found no reference. I'm in the process of ordering a new piston from>Clark's. I also think it is still running too lean. Brian can modify the>carb for me. I wonder how much power I would loose if I derated the>compression ? Just got off the phone with Brian he calculated the>compression at 8.7 with is good, I could then use auto fuel in a pinch.>> Peter as you know is selling his Piet. For $13.K Canadian with an O-200>Continental. By the end of July I will have access to an O-235 for $5.K >with>only 100 Hrs. after a Major. I'm seriously thinking about it. That cheap>with the U.S Dollar and it's a good performer.>>My oil temp. was only 170 degrees before the meltdown( the temp sensor is >in>the oil pan which is not indicative of the real temp. , probably closer to>200 Degrees) then everything happened very fast. I was lucky to get back >to>the airport. I hate filling out paperwork for the TSB. I wonder if my heads>are getting too hot, I'll have to install a cyl. head temp gage. Could it >be>my pressure cowl is not working and I should return thte original fan. I>hate to do that since I would loose my starter in the process as well as >the>alternator. Why would the cooling work for for aircraft engines and not the>corvair. I do have a gap I need to close with rubber. I won't push anymore>I'm almost there, too bad it has to be by trial and error.>>You will be missed if you don't come. See in Brussels...it's only once a>year and it's the 70th. I've made 24 special anniv. mugs with my airplane >on>it. I'll be bringing them to Brussels.> ---------->From: Thomas E Bowdler>To: Bellissimo.Dominic(at)littonlsl.com>Subject: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.>Date: Tuesday, June 15, 1999 10:52AM>>Dom!> Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have more>desire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,>of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet so>I can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine.>> Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots of>things to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony next>Friday so may have to stay home.> I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see.> Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I have>unsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposing>to do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,>plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the last>straw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and he>still persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSH>next year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be part>of it.>Have fun, and don't give up!>TomLarry RaganJacksonville, Fl.lragan(at)hotmail.com________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: Larry Ragan
This would actually raise your compression and could cause early detonation.I had something similar happen on a Mitsubishi engine in a car. I bought myteenage son a car..... Apparently it had lost a timing belt its past.And blew a head gasket on us. After tearing the engine apart we found outit had been rebuilt before. They machined off the head AND put spark plugsthat were 3/16" to long back in. This raise the compression enough thatpre-ignition ate up the pistons and head. So now a head gasket won't holdand I'm looking for a new head....My situation is more extreme but you might be running lean and have highercompression. This would lead to early ignition of the fuel I think.I also read somewhere that spark plugs that extend to far into a cylinderwill run 'hot'. The tip of the plug will not dissipate heat into the headproperly and can also cause early ignition. In affect it is acting like aglow plug in a diesel.GY-----Original Message-----
This would actually raise your compression and could cause early detonation.I had something similar happen on a Mitsubishi engine in a car. I bought myteenage son a car..... Apparently it had lost a timing belt its past.And blew a head gasket on us. After tearing the engine apart we found outit had been rebuilt before. They machined off the head AND put spark plugsthat were 3/16" to long back in. This raise the compression enough thatpre-ignition ate up the pistons and head. So now a head gasket won't holdand I'm looking for a new head....My situation is more extreme but you might be running lean and have highercompression. This would lead to early ignition of the fuel I think.I also read somewhere that spark plugs that extend to far into a cylinderwill run 'hot'. The tip of the plug will not dissipate heat into the headproperly and can also cause early ignition. In affect it is acting like aglow plug in a diesel.GY-----Original Message-----
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: Howard Wilkinson
wayne wrote:> > > The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convert to> dual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built a pusher> aircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for the> corvair engine. He used corvair carbs and tried the 110, 140 and 180 turbo> versions. He tried two methods of dual conversion, the better being a> second distributor driven off the end of the camshaft on the vib damper> side firing plugs placed directly below the current corvair plugs at the> bottom of the head angled in at about 45 degrees. Hope this makes sense.How can I get a copy of these writings?Pat________________________________________________________________________________
wayne wrote:> > > The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convert to> dual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built a pusher> aircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for the> corvair engine. He used corvair carbs and tried the 110, 140 and 180 turbo> versions. He tried two methods of dual conversion, the better being a> second distributor driven off the end of the camshaft on the vib damper> side firing plugs placed directly below the current corvair plugs at the> bottom of the head angled in at about 45 degrees. Hope this makes sense.How can I get a copy of these writings?Pat________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: BELLISSIMO, DOMENIC
Thomas: Are you running a CHT and EGTs? The CHT should clue you in abouthot cylinders. High heat range plugs hold heat which results inpre-ignition. Pre-ignition is generally heard as pinging, and usuallyresults in broken piston ring lands and often broken rings. A melted/ burned piston is not a sign of this as a rule, but rather of veryhigh cylinder temps caused by lean mixture or poor engine cooling orboth. One of the more attractive options for fuel control is the homebrew EFI system you can build based on the Swag Aero plans. With EFIyour mixture is balanced between cylinders. These are based on theGeo control unit, and the adaptation involves selecting the properinjector based on flow, and adjusting the fuel pressure. EFI is notnearly as complex as many people believe, and it is easy to rig acockpit mixture adjustment. The fuel distribution is always uniform.This system can easily be adapted to most any engine and isdependable. I hate to see you give up on the Corvair engine, but I personally-----Original Message-----
Thomas: Are you running a CHT and EGTs? The CHT should clue you in abouthot cylinders. High heat range plugs hold heat which results inpre-ignition. Pre-ignition is generally heard as pinging, and usuallyresults in broken piston ring lands and often broken rings. A melted/ burned piston is not a sign of this as a rule, but rather of veryhigh cylinder temps caused by lean mixture or poor engine cooling orboth. One of the more attractive options for fuel control is the homebrew EFI system you can build based on the Swag Aero plans. With EFIyour mixture is balanced between cylinders. These are based on theGeo control unit, and the adaptation involves selecting the properinjector based on flow, and adjusting the fuel pressure. EFI is notnearly as complex as many people believe, and it is easy to rig acockpit mixture adjustment. The fuel distribution is always uniform.This system can easily be adapted to most any engine and isdependable. I hate to see you give up on the Corvair engine, but I personally-----Original Message-----
Pietenpol-List: Re: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: Steve W
Good Question. The group was "AIR-VAIRS NEWSLETTER" and the portions Ihave bring up more questions than answers. Very little actual experiencedue most contributors were in the building stage. Much discussion ongetting maximum horsepower (Water inject, fuel inject, PSRU, Turbo) as itwas intended for any aircraft, not particularly the Piet. If someoneactually has all the articles they would probably be worth posting onDeCosta's site. All the articles I have are from 1977-1979 so one wouldthink that a lot of those corvairs should be flying. If I remembercorrectly only Bernies Piet and Watermans "Chevy Bird" were actuallyflying. A friend gave me a what I have and I believe he got them from anRAH member. I have no means of scanning them but if no one has the fullset I could mail a copy to someone for posting on the net.Wayne Sippola> > The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convertto> > dual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built apusher> > aircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for the> > How can I get a copy of these writings?> > Pat________________________________________________________________________________
Good Question. The group was "AIR-VAIRS NEWSLETTER" and the portions Ihave bring up more questions than answers. Very little actual experiencedue most contributors were in the building stage. Much discussion ongetting maximum horsepower (Water inject, fuel inject, PSRU, Turbo) as itwas intended for any aircraft, not particularly the Piet. If someoneactually has all the articles they would probably be worth posting onDeCosta's site. All the articles I have are from 1977-1979 so one wouldthink that a lot of those corvairs should be flying. If I remembercorrectly only Bernies Piet and Watermans "Chevy Bird" were actuallyflying. A friend gave me a what I have and I believe he got them from anRAH member. I have no means of scanning them but if no one has the fullset I could mail a copy to someone for posting on the net.Wayne Sippola> > The corvair conversion group that I mentioned went into how to convertto> > dual ignition.. The articles were by a "Waldo" Waterman who built apusher> > aircraft with a home built belt drive reduction specifically for the> > How can I get a copy of these writings?> > Pat________________________________________________________________________________
> Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: Patrick Panzera
> > To all,> > Well I finally started the freshly rebuilt corvair last Friday night , it> started after the second revolution. Just in time for the Bramptonairshow.> Everyone loved the Piet. I even made the evening news. I plugged the 70th> Anniversary.> After the public had gone home and most air traffic ceased Sunday night I> ran up the engine and had the RPM checked by the Brampton Mechanic withhis> digital infra-red instument,(my mini-tack was right on), then took itup.> It felt much better than the first flight. Attitude was normal, howeverif I> let go of the stick the plane pitched down and required intervention to> stop the downward movement. Over all though it was much better than the> first flight. There was some prop. unloading. Best static was 2620 and in> the air it improved to 2700 RPM. The extra 100 RPM made some difference.> Speed was 65 Kts.This looked like I was on the right track... Then Iheard> some hick-up in the engine, started to smell burning oil, and in no timeoil> was everywhere. The RPM dropped to 2400 but oil pressure was stillO.K.. I> was 1/2 mile from the airport and made a beeline for the active. Therewas> no one in the circuit so it was easy to set up for the landing. Theproblem> was the windshield was covered with oil so I had to look to the sides.When> I did that, my goggles started to get coated with oil, but by now I wasjust> a few hundred feet from the button. The oil temp. went from 170 to 260> degrees. It was a good landing even if it was a little long. After Itaxied> back, and wiped down the plane, I checked how much oil I had lost , itwas 3> out of 6 quarts, so the bottom end at least is saved. Tonight I'll openit> up and explore the cause. I think the front seal blew. I still think I'm> running a little lean. I was going to do the propane test tonight... too> late now. A lesson learned here, test first... fly later. I suspectanother> piston melt down.> Time is running out, It doesn't look good for Broadhead this year. Toobad,I> was all pumped up.> > Will keep you informed on my progress,> Domenic________________________________________________________________________________
> > To all,> > Well I finally started the freshly rebuilt corvair last Friday night , it> started after the second revolution. Just in time for the Bramptonairshow.> Everyone loved the Piet. I even made the evening news. I plugged the 70th> Anniversary.> After the public had gone home and most air traffic ceased Sunday night I> ran up the engine and had the RPM checked by the Brampton Mechanic withhis> digital infra-red instument,(my mini-tack was right on), then took itup.> It felt much better than the first flight. Attitude was normal, howeverif I> let go of the stick the plane pitched down and required intervention to> stop the downward movement. Over all though it was much better than the> first flight. There was some prop. unloading. Best static was 2620 and in> the air it improved to 2700 RPM. The extra 100 RPM made some difference.> Speed was 65 Kts.This looked like I was on the right track... Then Iheard> some hick-up in the engine, started to smell burning oil, and in no timeoil> was everywhere. The RPM dropped to 2400 but oil pressure was stillO.K.. I> was 1/2 mile from the airport and made a beeline for the active. Therewas> no one in the circuit so it was easy to set up for the landing. Theproblem> was the windshield was covered with oil so I had to look to the sides.When> I did that, my goggles started to get coated with oil, but by now I wasjust> a few hundred feet from the button. The oil temp. went from 170 to 260> degrees. It was a good landing even if it was a little long. After Itaxied> back, and wiped down the plane, I checked how much oil I had lost , itwas 3> out of 6 quarts, so the bottom end at least is saved. Tonight I'll openit> up and explore the cause. I think the front seal blew. I still think I'm> running a little lean. I was going to do the propane test tonight... too> late now. A lesson learned here, test first... fly later. I suspectanother> piston melt down.> Time is running out, It doesn't look good for Broadhead this year. Toobad,I> was all pumped up.> > Will keep you informed on my progress,> Domenic________________________________________________________________________________
Pietenpol-List: Re: FW: Corvair Piet.
Original Posted By: mboynton(at)excite.com
Dom! Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have moredesire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet soI can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine. Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots ofthings to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony nextFriday so may have to stay home. I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see. Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I haveunsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposingto do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the laststraw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and hestill persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSHnext year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be partof it.Have fun, and don't give up!Tom__________________________________________________________________________________________
Dom! Sorry about your latest "trial and tribulation". You have moredesire than I do as you keep at it. I have all but stopped construction,of course been busy too. Earl is trying to talk me into buying a Piet soI can learn to fly it well, fly to WI for the 70th and then finish mine. Plans are still incomplete for this weekend. We still have lots ofthings to accomplish in prep for our boys' Eagle Scout ceremony nextFriday so may have to stay home. I'd like to be in Brussels among Piet friends so we'll see. Thanks for forwarding the message to me personally as I haveunsubscribed the Piet list. I just couldn't take what some are proposingto do to my favorite little plane. Aluminum spars, spliced longerons,plywood ribs...just too much for me. The "Martin Fairwind" was the laststraw. I sent some personal replies to Dannymack (whoever he is) and hestill persists in changing everything and still expects to fly it to OSHnext year. More power to him if he can pull it off but I won't be partof it.Have fun, and don't give up!Tom__________________________________________________________________________________________