Jonathan Baron
New member
Okay, it's enough that I could have bought two nice -2s for the money I've "invested" in getting my 14-19 into good shape. However I'm wise enough to know it's never over.....all you can hope for is a break.
Unfortunately this story I'm about to relate reminds me less of simple maintenance and more of a television show I used to watch as a kid. Assume, if you will, an airplane that apparantly is capable of defying both the laws of physics and common sense - an aircraft engine that rusts, not due to neglect or inactivity, but because of use and activity. Sounds impossible you say. Not...in The Twilight Zone....
My 14-19 went in for an annual recently - an annual I somehow believed would be routine. Yet, after a three hour flight to get it to the shop (thanks Russell! I had to drive due to some further data the Federales needs to see to show them I am, indeed, healthy), there was water in the oil sump, lingering sweat on the push rods, and plenty of evidence of rust starting. Fortunately it had not yet reached the new cam, nor had it gotten to the Cermi-Nil cylinders.
"Have you run the engine without flying?" the mechanic asked. After assuring him I was not quite that stupid, he and Russell pondered awhile. I occupied myself by standing in rigid, slack-jawed shock.
Well....long ago, some previous owner had crafted an impressive metal sculpture with some of the finest aluminium welding I've ever seen. It was referred to as an air/oil separator and it sat, majestic, upon my have-torque-will-travel O-435 beast. However, as you know, water is a byproduct of combustion....nasty, acidic water. An oily mist is included at no charge. Both are supposed to escape via the breather. The separator is supposed to condense the oil and return it to the crankcase, leaving your Bellanca belly free of greasy, oily film. Mine was even more industrious. It saved the oil and the water, dumping both - especially the water, in great abundance - into the crankcase. Charming.
A few weeks, labor, and parts later my 'Master will return to me once again. I'm not going to say anything to it, I'm not even going to think about it. I'm simply going to fly and enjoy it, suspended between hope and desire
I'm keeping the metal sculpture for two reasons. One, I want to be reminded often that it's no longer on my airplane. Second, if I find a good recipe for sour mash, I might be able to put it to use.
Jonathan
Unfortunately this story I'm about to relate reminds me less of simple maintenance and more of a television show I used to watch as a kid. Assume, if you will, an airplane that apparantly is capable of defying both the laws of physics and common sense - an aircraft engine that rusts, not due to neglect or inactivity, but because of use and activity. Sounds impossible you say. Not...in The Twilight Zone....
My 14-19 went in for an annual recently - an annual I somehow believed would be routine. Yet, after a three hour flight to get it to the shop (thanks Russell! I had to drive due to some further data the Federales needs to see to show them I am, indeed, healthy), there was water in the oil sump, lingering sweat on the push rods, and plenty of evidence of rust starting. Fortunately it had not yet reached the new cam, nor had it gotten to the Cermi-Nil cylinders.
"Have you run the engine without flying?" the mechanic asked. After assuring him I was not quite that stupid, he and Russell pondered awhile. I occupied myself by standing in rigid, slack-jawed shock.
Well....long ago, some previous owner had crafted an impressive metal sculpture with some of the finest aluminium welding I've ever seen. It was referred to as an air/oil separator and it sat, majestic, upon my have-torque-will-travel O-435 beast. However, as you know, water is a byproduct of combustion....nasty, acidic water. An oily mist is included at no charge. Both are supposed to escape via the breather. The separator is supposed to condense the oil and return it to the crankcase, leaving your Bellanca belly free of greasy, oily film. Mine was even more industrious. It saved the oil and the water, dumping both - especially the water, in great abundance - into the crankcase. Charming.
A few weeks, labor, and parts later my 'Master will return to me once again. I'm not going to say anything to it, I'm not even going to think about it. I'm simply going to fly and enjoy it, suspended between hope and desire
I'm keeping the metal sculpture for two reasons. One, I want to be reminded often that it's no longer on my airplane. Second, if I find a good recipe for sour mash, I might be able to put it to use.
Jonathan
