Pietenpol-List: Pre-Buy Inspection

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Original Posted By: Mark
Subject: Pietenpol-List: Pre-Buy InspectionSteve, I looked at all the pictures. Can't tell much about the engine from the pictures. The health of the engine is determined by the compression test, inspection of the oil screen, oil consumption listed in the log book, visible oilleaks, visible exhaust leaks at the flange...that kind of stuff. Wipe off any oil on your first inspection, before starting the engine, then after the engine run, you can see how much is actually leaking. Slight oil leaks are acceptable, and you shouldn't really expect to find a completely dry cowling area.Pull and push on the prop / crankshaft to feel the end play in the crank. Klunk / klunk - You should feel about .005 to .010. Serviceable limit is .025.Push up and down on the prop to check front bearing clearance, while holding some back pressure, especially if you note oil leak at the front seal. You shouldn't really very much at all, but don't confuse the for and aft movement ofthe crank, with up and down play...that's why you hold some back pressure while trying to feel up and down play in the crank. Shake and wiggle everythingto look for loose items, but be careful not to break anything. Do that on the entire airframe. Tighten up anything you find loose. Look for cracks in allsteel parts, especially the landing gear, and engine mount. Cracks are more easily seen if the item is painted white. Have a rag with yo to wipe things off for a better look. Bright flashlight, mirror, note pad & pen are a must, and a magnifying glass is also a good idea. Take your time, and touch and feelevery item on the entire airframe. Have a good look at the log books (be careful to have clean hands !!). Make a plan of the sequence of the inspection,and don't be tempted to jump around. Complete each portion, and take notes. The EAA puts out a good checklist to give you a starting point. I think you'll find it if you search their site. If not, I think I have it somewhere inthe bits & bytes of my computer, and I could e-mail it to you directly. Be well rested and alert before you begin the inspection, probably first thing in the morning. Take your time...this is a LOT more than a pre-flight inspection...probably take at least a few hours, before you even start the engine. You could even take a break after the taxi runs, and go have lunch, andrelax for a while. Gives you an opportunity to talk about the things you've just done. Don't get in a hurry, enjoy and learn !! The pics of the 172 landing in the field was more impressive !! Great job getting 'er down !! I hope I never have to go through anything like that !!You guys must be living right !!Chuck G.________________________________________________________________________________Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 23:50:25 -0400

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Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy

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Original Posted By: "Michael D Cuy"
Mike, I've got tons of photos of the plane. I can send them to you latertonight.DJ----- Original Message -----

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Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy