Just did a float change out
I was just about to pull my MA-4-5 carb for rejetting when the thread came up on the carb float. Thanks to all for bringing it to my attention. FYI, my jet was a #31 and I drilled it out to a #30 (.120" to .128" dia). My carb came with an engine Mel Jordan purchased from Van's new in 1999 from whom I bought it in 2000 (Hi Mel, it's finally flying) but did not fly with until this year. When I took the bowl off I found the float to be the white plastic type that is to be replaced. The float looked OK and was not leaking but rather than take a chance, and since I had it open anyway, I decided to change the float.
Since the carb was in new condition with only 14 hours it did not need any other work than the jet and float. No special tools were required for either of these two jobs so I decided to do it my self. I also decided to use the Kelly brass float replacement rather than the smurf blue foam one. Aircraft Spruce has a kit for $117, which includes a new bowl gasket, bowl bolt securement washers, pivot pin, cotter pin and the brass float. It was an easy job to install and adjust to the proper height. AS part number is 07-00678 (Kelly #666-916). The hardest part of the job is taking the carb off and putting it back on, the actual carb work is less than 30 min. In the instructions it states to etch "MF" for metal float on the carb ID tag. If you don't know what you have for a float you may want to check this out first. Dan Finney and I looked at his recently bought salvage 0-360 engine and it had the "MF" on it.
I haven't flown it yet as I just got it back together and the weather here has not cooperated. I let you know how it goes.
A few comments on Thomas Lukasczyk gliding RV-4 video:
WOW. Of course all German pilots want to think they are in a glider
. Seriously though, as a low time glider pilot with only 25 hrs I think it has helped my power skills. We always are told that if you have an engine out, fly the airplane first. The glider is the best way to learn this and not get into a trap of trying to "will it" a little further than it has the energy to go. I don't think you should do what Thomas did but getting glider experience, even just a couple hours, is cheep, productive training.