Engine soaked..
 

Hi all,

Just had my first crash ever with my trainer plane which I flew all summer without the same result. Actually went out today with a friend and the snow lightly falling with temp at -10 DegC and the wind blowing about 5 kts (Quebec, Canada). Wasn't too bad with winter muff around the transmitter and she looks pretty cool on skis. Anyway after all that preamble I ended up coming almost out of a split-S but ended nose first in the snow..!! Thank god for the snow because it really saved the plane from much worse damage than there could have been. Of course the engine took a big gulp of snow through the carb.

I have stripped the engine down completely (an O.S. 40LA) and all the components are being left to dry out well. When i re-assemble the engine should i oil the indivudual components and if so with what oil.? Secondly the little gasket for the plastic rear crankcase cover should i replace it or can i just use some gasket seal..? The one that came off looks a little worse for wear. Any other suggestions or things to look out for during re-assembly would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Oddball :)

RE: Engine soaked..
 

If it is not broken clear thru I would just put a little silicon gasket sealer on it. You might get away with this even if it is broken if it will go back together.As long as it can't leak air ir will be OK.Just use some marvel mystery oil or some air tool oil,etc, Transmission fluid works good.If you removed the sleeve/piston etc just make sure to get every thing back in right, with the bypass and exaust ports on the proper side etc,.

RE: Engine soaked..
 

I've buried my LA.40 all the way to the backplate twice! Just rinsed it out with fresh fuel and it still runs great. Just part of the price of learning. These engines aren't strong, but they sure are tough!

RE: Engine soaked..
 

Thanks for the feedback. The gasket is not broken all the way through so I will try to use it again in conjunction with silicone gasket sealant.

Next time I will also try just flushing the engine with fuel and see if that works ok instead of a complete strip.

Till next time...

Oddball.:)