mikeyj350
Well Known Member
Hey guys, I know this is a common subject on the forums here but I didn't find anything on this specific problem. I'm working 47-6 Step 11/12. I've fitted the cowl to this point following the plans exactly, with the exception of I'm using SkyBolts instead of hinges around the perimeter of the firewall. Both the upper and lower cowl halves seemed to fit perfectly, and with the 1/8" spacers taped to the front face of the cowl, everything lines up great.
The problem came with the step saying remove the 1/8" spacers taped onto the front. Upon reinstallation of the lower cowl, it is now MUCH closer to the spinner bulkhead than with the 1/8" spacers, and it seems pretty well-set in that position. I can pull and flex the cowl aft and upwards, and with a fair bit of force I can hold it in the desired 1/8" spacing position. As soon as I let go though, it goes back to its "happy" position of only 1/32"-1/16" gap. In contrast, with just the upper cowl skybolted into place, the gap is fine.
I've already trimmed the split line for the lower cowl and have traced that line onto the top cowl, but haven't cut the top cowl yet in case there is some more adjusting I'll need to do.
Am I worried about nothing? Build on and it will fix itself? Do I need to go back and re-trim my firewall line a bit more to get the extra clearance so it sits correctly without the spacers taped into place? Any ideas from folks who may have been here would be great... thanks!
The problem came with the step saying remove the 1/8" spacers taped onto the front. Upon reinstallation of the lower cowl, it is now MUCH closer to the spinner bulkhead than with the 1/8" spacers, and it seems pretty well-set in that position. I can pull and flex the cowl aft and upwards, and with a fair bit of force I can hold it in the desired 1/8" spacing position. As soon as I let go though, it goes back to its "happy" position of only 1/32"-1/16" gap. In contrast, with just the upper cowl skybolted into place, the gap is fine.
I've already trimmed the split line for the lower cowl and have traced that line onto the top cowl, but haven't cut the top cowl yet in case there is some more adjusting I'll need to do.
Am I worried about nothing? Build on and it will fix itself? Do I need to go back and re-trim my firewall line a bit more to get the extra clearance so it sits correctly without the spacers taped into place? Any ideas from folks who may have been here would be great... thanks!