Firewall problem
 

I bought a plane from a guy cheap who said it was NIB, however when I got to the engine mounting it appears that he had done some work on it. The engine mount was missing from the arf too BTW.

You can see by the pics what my problem is here. Can anyone recommend a quick and painless fix? Should I just plug the holes with some epoxy and redrill? Any strenght issues?

Thanks.

RE: Firewall problem
 

If your second pic is the template for your new mount, I wouldn't bother with filling the holes. Just redrill it.

RE: Firewall problem
 

Have you thought about placing another piece of
ply behind the current firewall with epoxy ?

Drill new holes first. Try to remove old blind nuts
also, prior to epoxing.


Bob

RE: Firewall problem
 

Just drill out the new holes according to the template. However, I would plug the old holes just to help keep oil and grease out of the tank compartment. Epoxy wooden dowels into the old holes and seal the exposed wood with epoxy and you're good to go.

Ken

RE: Firewall problem
 

Thanks for the suggestions. I knew it shouldn't be to hard but didn't even think about using dowels.;)

RE: Firewall problem
 

Hey that is RCKen the dowl man. Got a brother named Tim the tool man. :D:D:D:D

RE: Firewall problem
 

No, he's a second cousin on my mom's side of the family!!! But we don't talk about him much!!! :D

Ken

RE: Firewall problem
 

Tim's family doesn't talk about Ken either :D

RE: Firewall problem
 

[X(][X(]

;)

RE: Firewall problem
 

Yep he's right... then if you want, sand the dowels flush with the firewall and re-fuel proof it all. I've screwed up drilling the firewall for my engine mounts a few times and what Ken said is what I did and it works great.

RE: Firewall problem
 

I've plugged holes and cheek plated over firewalls. They never gave any trouble afterwards

RE: Firewall problem
 

Got her licked. I just thought I would share. Thanks again for all the help guys.

RE: Firewall problem
 

Looking good. You used my favorite mount and a good engine

RE: Firewall problem
 

What size engine is that?

RE: Firewall problem
 

OS 160 FX. Got a Pitts for a muffler.:D