I need an extension for the needle valve of a O.S .10 LA engine to push it out past the engine compartment.
Are extensions available?

It should have a hole in the end with a set screw that goes in the side. Just unscrew the set screw a little and put a wire in the end of it. Tighten down the set screw and then bend the wire so you can turn it and cut off the excess.

Yep, piece of music wire from the LHS or an old allen wrench (small) you don't mind giving up. Just about anything small and stiff that has a 90 degree bend on the end or can have one put in it. Could also solder a knob there if you have the skill and install after the engine is in the plane.

What they said!!!!  

Ken

I see where the set screw used to be (where can I get another set screw? Just found out it's missing)
But I can't follow where you are saying to put the music wire/allen wrench. I see a small hole at the front of the needle valve, does this have anything to do with what you are suggesting?

Nope, that's not what they're saying.

The allen wrench (you are giving up because it's now a part of your airplane) is inserted into the top of needle valve. The Allen wrench itself is the extension.

Now the only thing you need to do is dig around in your collection of collars and find a little allen set screw to screw into the side to hold the allen wrench extension in place.

If you don't have a set screw it means a trip to your local hardware store to get one.

Photo 1: Small hole on needle valve
Photo 2: Where set screw should be

What I think you may be saying is stick the allen wrench into the hole and tighten the set screw.

Bear in mind that the set screw you will need is going to be metric.

Also, clean that engine before you run it. It's filthy!

You'll need an Allen wrench to tighten the set screw on whatever you choose to use for your extension. For the extension, you may use a piece of music wire of the appropriate diameter OR you may want to use an old Allen wrench as the actual extension.

This is how you do it.

Ken

There ya go. Nice illustration Ken!

Thank you ken, was counting on you.
Thank you everyone.

You may want a bigger hole in the side of the fuse/cowl!! Think vibration and torque!!!

Agreed.

Ken

Will do

I like to slip a length of fuel tubing onto the shaft of the extension if I'm going through wood like this application. On fiberglass cowls, I use a rubber grommet. Both work well.

Damn now that is a nice piece of construction. Should have known about it earlier - a buddy had trouble getting too his needle - although he just needed a bit of extension - that would have been a good solution.

LOL, I was reading this thread and was just about to post that pic Ken. You beat me to it

That would have only been fair Minn, you drew it in the first place.

Can this extension be done to larger .20 to .40 + size engines?

As long as the needle valve has the extension hole, yes

As Mike said, as long as the needle valve has the whole in it for the extentsion. I've used this on a Saito 180 before.

Ken