Category: Firewall Forward

Firewall forward component fitting

Manifold pressure system complete.

Pilot stick grip fitting commencing…

Powdercoat removed for Infinity grip spacer.

Wire bundle (17 wires!!) trimmed and ready to install.

No in-process pics (sorry) of the grip being fit, but there are simply too many loose wires and buttons demanding attention to permit any photography. So, here it is (ta-da!) ready to install in the plane.

I’ll check each switch for continuity on the bench before installing it, of course, because I sure don’t want to pull it once it’s installed. I’m holding off (probably until late next week), as I want to leave one stick out to preserve under-panel “access” (LOL!!) for as long as possible.

Firewall forward, canopy continued…

When I removed the plug from Van’s supplied brake reservoir, it was galled and stripped. It had been threaded in way too tight and without lubricant. Never a good thing.

I ordered a stainless replacement, applied a little Fuel Lube (actually EZ Turn, these days), and it went right in.

Since the brakes have already been bled, I REALLY didn’t want to remove the reservoir or tap it in place. Happily, neither was necessary.

Canopy guide pins receiving a little paint.

Pilot-side canopy guide pin riveted in place.

Modeling clay (way too much, as it turned out) applied per the instructions.

Also too much modeling clay…

One of the canopy guide plates riveted in place.

And the other one…

Firewall forward progress

P-mag ground wire now terminated and connected to an engine case bolt.

Right-side ignition lines and EGT wires neatened. Oil cooler SCAT duct installed along with manifold pressure hoses. Final connection to P-mag to be made after that last backup alternator nut is finally tightened once the special Snap-on tools arrive next week.

Firewall forward components in place

Backup alternator to fuse wire version 2. Much better.

Starter solenoid and master relay wires in place. These were pretty tough to do, as my big hands aren’t overly compatible with this nearly inaccessible location on the firewall. Not much space between all of the engine mount tubes and lots of wires & fuel/oil lines in the way.