Engine update

Today I got this note from TCM. 

Good morning, Adam.

Your engines should be ready to ship close to the Friday, April 8th / Monday, April 11th time frame.  I'll plan on giving you an update early to mid next week.  If this estimate doesn't slip, both engines should be moving to the test run phase by the middle of next week.

That's great news.  The shop also reports they have the elevator off and so I need to get over there and take it up to Frank at AeroSurfaces for reskinning.  I ordered the kit today from SRS:  http://www.srsaviation.com/elevators.htm  Frank estimates about a week to complete, balance and paint.  Props are also being pulled off right now and should be shipped to Stockton propeller tomorrow for overhaul.  So far so good.  Now I just need to remember how to fly a single engine plane so I can transport that elevator and get over to the shop to snap some pics of the progress!

Project started

Dropped the plane off this morning!

Everything ran perfectly smooth, climbed out at 1800 ft a min or so. I was trying to get a memory imprint of the sound and the fury of those props and engines. It will be interesting to see if things run even smoother with new motors. Here's what I'm getting done:

Two new TCM factory remanufactured IO-520E engines.
Harzell 3-Blade Prop overhauls
Prop governor overhauls
Overhaul both pressure pumps
All new/reman accessories and hoses
Paint engine compartment
Overhaul / bead blast and paint engine mounts
Overhaul and repair baffles with all new baffle seals
Reskin left elevator in Aluminum, repaint, balance
Install new JPI 760 with FF option in the standard fuel flow gauge spot
Remove ancient Alcor EGT gauge and replace with the standard fuel flow gauge
Remove ancient hoskins fuel computer
Annual inspection

Oh my, I don't know how I'm going to get through this month as I'm sure the anticipation will kill me.  Luckily I'm still in a flying club and have access to some single engine planes so I can fly over, take photos and document the progress!

JPI 790 ?

I just heard a rumor that JPI is coming out with a twin version of their 730/830 instrument called the 790.  Supposedly they are going to announce it at Sun N Fun (http://www.sun-n-fun.org/) at the end of the month.  I'm going to hold off my 760 purchase for now.  If I could get a 790 that would fit into the 3 inch Fuel Flow hole without obstructing the other instruments I think that would be an ideal solution.  Garmin is also announcing their new "Magic" Wednesday (http://sites.garmin.com/magic/) so we shall see...

JPI - Where would it go?

Here is a shot of my panel.  I need to make a decision on my engine monitor here soon. I'm now considering just getting a tried and true JPI 760 since two factory remans is already costing me a fortune.  Question is, if I go with a 760, where should I put it?  It's a standard 3.5 inch instrument:

My options are basically move the backup ASI or altimeter to the right side, but I'm not sure if there is a line of sight limit or restriction on moving critical instruments, and sometimes I like the big round analogue instrument for airspeed being right there in my face.  I use the backup altimeter less.  The other option is to pull out the Alcor EGT gauge which I plan to do anyway, and put the JPI where the fuel flow meter is and move the fuel flow to where the EGT is.  I think this probably makes the most sense if it's legal.  I'm also going to ditch the old Hoskins fuel flow gauge which is just below the backup transponder, which is just below the radar. 

While we're in there

Here is my list of potential "while you're in there items" when doing the engines that I've gleaned from researching my project and talking to some good A&P's. I've discovered that the cost of the engine is only part of the story...

Prop/Prop governor

Mags. go with Bendix

Alternator

Starter & gear drive

Oil cooler - included in factory reman

All hoses in engine compartment

Vacuum or pressure pump

Engine mount

Engine mount insulators

Exhaust

Any wiring in the engine area that looks old. It is much easier to do it when the engine is off than to trouble shoot this later

Any cables such as prop, throttle etc. If you are having any stiff cables it is much easier to fix/replace these with no engine to work around.

Fuel Pumps; These are often forgotten and would be a good time to have them overhauled.

Fine wire spark plugs? optional and expensive, but may reduce plug fouling

If you have gammi's like me a good time to overhaul em...

Fuel injection ie-Throttle Body, Fuel distributer etc.

Engines ordered!

Two new factory reman engines are officially ordered and being built! I bit the damn bullet. Of course, initial estimate was 3-4 weeks. When I got the paperwork they said things had picked up and now the wait is 5-6 weeks. Now that I've sent the deposit the estimate is 6-8 weeks. I have a feeling I'd better get used to this...