Firewall Fell Off
 

I have a Groovy 50 3a. It has a OS FL 70 that has been full broken in. I have had this plane for about half a year but have not gotten around to flying it. Anyway I was preparing it to fly. I turned the engine on and the Fire Wall with engine attached to it fell off. It fell off in perfect condition also. No cracks or anything that fractured the wood. I have just re glued the fire wall and put 8 screws into the sides. I think it will hold but i am nervious to fly the plane now. Any thoughts on this?

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

dont be nervous, you fixed a problem that was, it will be FUN, remember, FUN:D

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

Nervous after any repair is normal. Considering the way you repaired it it's most likely a little over-engineered anyway which is not a bad thing. Take it easy do a few full power runs while having someone hold the plane. Fly it and take it easy and after a few minutes you will relax and will be flying it like you used too.

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

I had the same problem with a CA models ARC. The fire wall just popped right off after 4 flights. Most of the manufactures are not going back though the airplanes and putting more glue in places like the firewall. Since then I've always checked my firewalls to make sure they have enough glue.


Bevo

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

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If he knows someone with a table saw, or has access to one, rip some 1/2" and 1/4" triangle stock from a piece of light pine (any 2x4). If you can, sneak into the compartment behind the firewall and epoxy some pieces of this triangle stock at the point where the firewall joins the sides of the fuselage.

Anyone flying any ARF should do this if possible. Even little 1/2" long pieces placed randomly in spots will contribute a lot of strength to the firewall area. The manufacturer's hotmelt glue just doesn't hold up.

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

Greetings from South Carolina Ckingsley

If I had an engine an firewall seperation I would make sure when the firewall was placed back that there were no cracks or major seperations then I would drill pin holes around where the firewall sides meet the fuse like 1/16 holes and use tooth picks and pin the firewall.
I would make sure to put epoxy around where the firewall meets the fuse 1st then place the firewall in place, then insert the tooth picks with glue into the sides.
I hope this helps.

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

what Ed cregger said;)

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

I had the engine/with firewall come off my Hangar 9 PT-19 inflight. I guess the motor was overkill as it was a Saito 150 4C. The engine/firewall/cowl all came off in one assembly. They hit the ground out in front of me never even broke the prop. I was high enough I just put in full down elevator and landed the aircraft. Honestly I thought all was over but the only damage was the cowling was fractured in a few places. Plane engine and the original prop still flying today. I repaired the mount the way others have said, screws, wooden pins and more glue.

Pete

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

I add epoxy to the firewall insie and out on every Arf/or plane I have whether it needs it or not

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

That's the ticket !! I glass the heck out of 'em first thing outta the box adding tri-stock when needed.

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

jmupilot

You are very lucky. With such a large engine falling off the nose of that thing, you're lucky the CG didn't shift so far aft that the plane would lose all controlability.

RE: Firewall Fell Off
 

Firewall and engine seperated on a friends full scale airplane during a hard landing. I don't think it was the first bad landing. He repaired his plane, but won't fly it anymore. I would worry about other undetected damage.