Mendlerr

Members
  • Content count

    258
  • Joined

  • Last visited


Everything posted by Mendlerr

  1. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox Model IV - 1200   

    Thanks to avidfoxflyers! I did not post this ad anywhere else
    • 1
  2. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox Model IV - 1200   

    Haha it's all good.

    N94JE is SOLD!

    It now resides in the state of Colorado, arrived today on trailer
    • 0
  3. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox Model IV - 1200   

    Sale Pending
    • 0
  4. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Kitfox Model IV - 1200   

    I have not but I have not had any time to clean up the airplane and picture it up.  I may have found a place about an hour from here with hangar space next to an Avid.  I think in all honestly I'll probably still sell it though.
    • 0
  5. Mendlerr added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Kitfox Model IV - 1200
    Hey all, I hate to say it but I think it has to go, my 1994 Model-IV I purchased last February.
     
    I recently had to make a drastic lifestyle change, pack up and move to Charlotte, NC for my job; and I only had 2 weeks notice.  After checking with all the local airports I have come to realize I cannot afford this airplane at the moment, hangar rent in CLT and Rock Hill is triple what it is in TN.  It is in a corporate hangar 4 hours away from CLT in Mountain City, TN.
     
    Johnson County Airport, Mountain City, TN    6A4
     
    I purchased the airplane for $23,000 in February, since then I have installed a new 72"  IVO UL IFA prop with less then 3 hours on it.  I also installed a new AirTek Clutch and inspected the gearbox with the help of our local IA.  The panel was removed and I built a new one with an iPad mount and better instrument package.  Pedal modifications, fuel system modifications, ect..were all done under the supervision of my local IA.  The IA also completed a very thorough conditional inspection in August or September, I don't remember which.
     
    So here is a description of the airplane, I'll look around for pictures a little later when I have time.
     
    1994 Model IV - 1200 (All logs present and current)
    Rotax 582 Grey Head with ~130 hours since factory overhaul
    3:1 Gearbox with Airtec Clutch Kit (prop does not turn on startup, idle around 1,600 RPM's)
    New Ultralight In-Flight Adjustable Carbon prop w/ Spinner
    New Instrument Panel with iPad hardmount
    Grove Landing Gear w/ Dual Grove Brakes and Good Tires
    Updated 3-Leaf Tailspring currently running just 2 springs
    Fabric and Paint is OK, not new by any means but it is original and shows well.
     
    She flies well, but I have only put about 7 hours on her since I bought her, I have not had any time to fly with the crazy weather we had in NC last year, along with a turbulent moment in my career.  I'm sure the bing carbs need new mains for this time of year, also, the rotary shaft leaks a little oil, but it goes into the lower crankcase, its not a head problem.  I try to think of it as extra lubrication.  I started the engine the other day but did not run it up all the way, just taxied around for a minute.
     
    Please feel free to email me at Mendlerr@yahoo.com with any questions, I can also except TXT but NOT phone calls during the day at 828-260-3985.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    • 6 replies
    • 2,896 views
  6. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Moving to the east coast   

    Here's one, a little bit of a hop for you though in Western NC.  There are several Kitfox's & Avid's in my immediate area but they choose not to be online.
    • 0
  7. Mendlerr added a post in a topic V8 Miata   

    A few pics of the new V8 LS1 Drivetrain and Suspension Assemblies.  Unfortunately I forgot pictures of the tubular control arms, sway bars and end links.  Oh well.  I'm hoping the Miata sheet metal can handle to torque.  V8 Roadsters recently had a chassis failure which concerns me a little
     






    • 0
  8. Mendlerr added a post in a topic V8 Miata   

    It's strictly a road race car, mostly plan on running at VIR, CMP and Road Atlanta.  I thought I had the weight distribution figured out but I got it wrong, it's hard to determine on paper.
     
    The Miata is going to have to suffice, no budget for the "Exocet" chassis unfortunately.  I'm also going to be limited on tire size for the time being.  How about 225/50/15's being twisted by 400-450whp....  Should be interesting.
     
    A little progress is done on the Miata Roller.  Still a LONG ways to go though.
     






    • 0
  9. Mendlerr added a post in a topic V8 Miata   

    anyone here have any chevy LS1 knowledge?
    • 0
  10. Mendlerr added a post in a topic KFIII for sale   

    asw27p8 let me fly this fine bird a few days ago.  It's a good, simple, Kitfox with 80hp.  It flies very smooth and quiet and has a great climb rate.  It's built the way a Kitfox is suppose to be built!!  Bump for a great airplane at a great price
    • 0
  11. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Hey what happened to my RPMs !   

    I'm at 5 hours of 582 flying also and am having the same issue. I'm really curious what your climb rate is out of lenoir.
    • 0
  12. Mendlerr added a post in a topic New Sport Pilot Regs In the Making   

    It's kind of unrelated but we've been working on a 1956 Beechcraft that has all sorts of issues.  It's going to require 50% of the aircraft cost (just purchased by new owner) to get it flying again.  we actually called the Nashville fisdo to ask if we could declassify it to an experimental (it's been done here before) and they said no.  The largest cost is the prop spinner, $2,450 was the cheapest we found and we were told that only 4 new ones exist.  We have 4 spinners for Van's RV's that are absolutely identical that we wanted to use for sub $200..  Apparently they had 3 Cessna's recently declassified to experimental and all 3 crashed due to mechanical failure causing multiple fatalities.  So from I understand they are getting a little more strict regarding certified aircraft and recertification due to these recent accidents
    • 0
  13. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    I feel an aluminum tank will be quicker and safer.  This is what I have decided on after playing around with different w&b's for a few hours.
     
    I measured out all the arms today and they are pretty accurate.  My tailwheel is at exactly 160" from the datum.  Seems an update In the tailwheel springs a few years ago actually lengthened the airplane a little
    • 0
  14. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    So after doing a little math I have determined I can remove my 2 header tanks and replace them with a 10 Gallon aluminum tank and still be within CG limits.  Does anybody disagree with this idea?  It would give me an extra hour of fuel, still be able to carry plenty of baggage and 350+ pounds of plt/pax.  I'm a little uncomfortable flying on the header tank only but it sounds like its a common practice.
    • 0
  15. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    haha I just cant help but beat myself up asking for everyones help when it was a measuring problem, haha.  The tail weight is 49lbs in ACTUAL level flight attitude.
    • 0
  16. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    I also think I figured out the W&B issue.  It was stupid and a failure to double check, I assumed my angle gauge was calibrated properly..  I was using a dial angle gauge with a magnet attatched to the lower tube of the door frame to determine if the airplane was level.  Well just for giggles I decided to try it again today with a bubble level.  Guess what, the dial gauge was 4 degrees off!  This in turn caused the tail to sit 4 degrees low which is what caused the heavy tail.
     
    TO ASSUME : MAKES AN ASS OUT OF YOU AND ME.  I will know to double check my equipment next time.
    • 0
  17. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    I replaced all the fuel line from the wing tank to the header tank.  The original fuel line was in 7 pieces all rigged together.  It is now 1 piece of clear tubing so I can see the fuel.  I removed the fuel flow meter and the filter, the filter was the cause of the restriction.
     
    If I put say, 5 gallons in the wing tank and open the header tank vent valve, I get no fuel flow.  The only way I can get fuel flow to the header tanks is to open one of the fittings on the header tank and get a little suction going.  Doesn't take much, then the fuel starts a flowin' and it doesn't stop.  Is this normal.  Doesn't seem like it should be.  What happens when you run the wing tank dry so you stop and refuel, shouldn't the fuel flow into the header tanks on its own?  I guess I probably could have put the gas cap on and blown into it a little
     
    I spoke with a friend at a local machine shop, he's got his A&P and he was saying he would build me a fuel cell aluminum header tank.  It would probably hold 7-9 gallons and replace the 2 plastic tanks I have.  It would also eliminate all of that plumbing mess.  Sounds like a good option when I get some money in the bank.
     
    I also just got to thinking and I suppose with the vent line closed in flight the fuel pump will be able to draw the fuel out of the wing tank to the header tank. 
     
    This all seems simple, I don't understand why I'm struggling with it so much, haha.  Sorry for all the questions.  I guess I'm just a little freaked out after almost running my header tanks dry with fuel still in the wing!
    • 0
  18. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    There is a fuel line (rubber) that leaves the fuel tank on a 90 degree fitting, it enters the cabin where there is a clear glass filter, it then mates to another short piece of rubber fuel line before going through the fuel flow meter.  From here it mates to an aluminum line w/ blue anodized AN fittings.  Then the line splits into the manifold between the 2 header tanks behind the seat. 
     
    From the right side header tank a rubber VENT line runs along the fuel supply line, halfway up it meets a ball valve.  From there is continues in a rubber line back into the upper portion of the wing tank.  (atleast it looks that way)
     
    I'm not sure why there is a ball valve installed in the vent line but there is for some reason.
    • 0
  19. Mendlerr added a post in a topic Mdl C, HH For Sale   

    I'm keeping an eye on those ski's.
    • 0
  20. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    Haha I honestly don't think that is possible.  I'm thinking 600lbs will be the bare minumum my plane could weigh with the Grove Gear/Wheel/Brakes.
     
    That's still 43 lbs though.  I've accounted for about 20-25lbs now.
     
    I need more fuel capacity though.  I'm not going to ditch the header tanks at this point until I come up with a viable solution.   I would have to stop (literally) 4 times to make it to the beach.  That's 8 fuel stops round trip and 100LL ain't cheap, oil is not cheap either and I'm making $8 an hour at the moment.  In my buddies RV he can make the round trip and still have plenty of fuel left.  Wish I had done my homework before buying a 2-stroke!  I never would have imagined they burned 6GPH
     
    If I can fit a fuel tank in the left wing storage compartment that holds atleast 4 gallons I will ditch those header tanks in a heartbeat!
    • 0
  21. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    Well I accounted for 3+ lbs of the weight.  The fire extinguisher.  It's above the pilots seat.
     
    The RadioShack Speaker behind the pilots seat can go.  It's only good for getting METAR's without headsets.
     
    I COULD eliminate the header tanks but I would only have 1.4 Hours usable fuel w/ day VFR reserve.
     
    I could remove the fuel flow totalizer, but it's probably only 2 lbs or so total and its nice knowing fuel flow all the time.
     
    The cabin heat and air system could go.  I honestly have no idea what they weigh.
     
    The battery weighs 14lbs in the box.  I'm sure a much lighter battery could be installed.  If I had a big budget I would go with a Braille.  $$$<2lbs
     
    I already removed the Cordura cover from behind the seats and the kick panel carpets.
    • 0
  22. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    I propped the tail up to flight level position using a 55 gallon trash can w/ lid, then I placed a piece of 1" thick plywood on top of that.  I set the scale on top of the plywood and then set the tail on top of the scale.  It worked out nicely.  I may rig up a plumb bob and meaure the arms for reassurance.  I believe its measured from the leading edge of the wing root, correct? 
     
    I just ran into another problem.  I drained the tanks, replaced all the filters, refilled the tanks and I cannot get fuel to flow to the 2 header tanks.  It's like its vapor locked or I have a blockage in my wing tank lines.  If I put a little air pressure into the wing tanks they will slowly trickle down but they will not do it on their own..  I was looking at Kitfox Service Bulletins and I know this was a problem on the older header tank systems.  Guess I need to drain the tanks and remove the lines, see if there is a blockage first.  This annual is turning into a pain in the ass, haha
    • 0
  23. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    On my previous weight and balance the tail only weighed 43.10 lbs.  I have no idea what would have added the extra weight back there.  I have looked and looked and just do not see anything out of the ordinary.
     
    the only things behind my seat are the twing header tanks and lines, the elt and the strobe controller box.  That's IT!   I have no idea what added 13lbs to the tail.
     
    We confirmed the weights 6 times on 2 different sets of scales and took the averages of all 6 readings.  All were within a pound of each other.
     
    The official published w&b information for a standard Kitfox IV - 1200 from Skystart is 157.10" Aft.
     
    In 2007 it is logged in my logbook that the tailwheel springs were updated to a newer style from Kitfox Aircraft Company.  This included one extra leaf spring and new cables.  After this date the W&B shows the tailwheel at 160.75 but no new W&B was configured.  Perhaps there is a mistake somewhere in my book because no where does it state that the newer style tailwheel springs are any longer or shorter then the originals.  At least I cannot find it.
     
    One major change is the gove gear moved the main gear Arm from 3.20/3.30 Left/Right to .25/.25 Left/Right.  That did change the weight and balance
    • 0
  24. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    I did not measure the arms and yes the empty weight includes absolutely everything except for fuel.  I simply used the Arms from the previous W&B.  Also, I was just reading through the Purple SkyStar Kitfox POH that came with my airplane and it specifically says that the small 6 Gallon wing tank is completely compatible with the wing storage area.  Does this mean that the small 6 gallon wing tank will drop into the wing storage area?  It got me a bit confused.  I'm also curious what the Kitfox Alunimum Header Tank fuel capacity is?  It does not have it listed on their website.
    • 0
  25. Mendlerr added a post in a topic N94JE   

    Good to know, I still need to lose weight though. So does my airplane, haha
    • 1