Engine Mount Safe?
 

Hi,

I pulled my OS LA 40 off of my Sig 4 Star 40 to clean it and tighten the backplate screws. I just removed the bolts that attach the engine mount to firewall and left the engine attached to the mount. When I re-attached the mount to the firewall I overtightened a screw and heard a crack and now there is a hairline crack through one of the mount-to-firewall bolt holes. See arrow in the picture.

My first choice is to buy a new mount. But, it's Sunday night and I want to fly tomorrow and I probably won't have a chance to fly again for at least week. Plus, I doubt the LHS will have a Sig SIGEM001 Engine Mount (http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...FV4.html?E+Sig) in stock and it will take a week and a half for a new mount to come in.

Do you think I can fly tomorrow with this mount?

There's no cowl and I can easily keep an eye on the bolt attachment. If this attachment point fails, there's still 3 other bolts holding the mount firmly to firewall.

I'll order a new mount and put it on as soon as I get it.

What do you think? Would you fly with this mount?

Thanks.

RE: Engine Mount Safe?
 

glue the cracks and fly...

RE: Engine Mount Safe?
 

I would use that mount as is for years.

It is crack due to over-compression of the bolt.

That engine will not produce more thrust than 5 lbs; @1.25 each bolt.

If it worries you, due to vibrations, you could wrap it with fiberglass cloth and epoxy.

RE: Engine Mount Safe?
 

I wouldn't think twice....run it!

Fix it on a rainy day if it still bugs you