>
     >
     > Hi Paul,
     >
     > I did my first taxi test last Friday.  I taxied for about 30
     > minutes and it didn't even get close to overheating.  Of course, the
     > Texas summer isn't here yet, so we'll have to wait and see how it
    does
     > then.  Everything worked as intended and it was great to
    experience my
     > little creation moving under its own power.  First flight is still a
     > month or so off.
     >
     > Thanks,
     > Mark S

    Mark,
    keep a very close eye on the exhaust pipes. looks like they are
    welded solid. My previous pipes were like that and most of the
    welds cracked in 2 hours of flying. My new setup has slip joints
    wherever possible, and are fine for the last 15 hrs.
    Buly

    Good point Buly.

    Paul Lamar

Buly,

Thanks, I appreciate your concern and will do frequent inspections of
the exhaust system.  I have almost 13 hours on this manifold and have
gotten it cherry red more than once.  At this point it shows no signs of
cracking.  The 2" runs are made from .140" wall R.B. Wagner SS
handrails.  The outer two flange bolt holes are slotted to allow for
some movement due to expansion and the flange is one solid piece.  Welds
are on the engine side of the flange.  I figured that the stock manifold
was one piece, but it did have slotted holes for expansion.  I think
that is what some people forget to do.  I don't tighten them very tight
either so they can move a little if necessary.  The inside of the cowl
is covered with Fiberfrax material to protect it from radiant heat.
I'll have to watch it closely and see how it does.

BTW, the homemade "spiral flow" style baffle is also holding up well.
I'll be checking that frequently as well.

I also installed the fire detector just aft of the oil cooler, "looking"
toward the exhaust system.  I should know immediately should the exhaust
fail and flames start peeking through any cracks.  That UVtron sensor is
very sensitive to flames.

Mark




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