Engine Mount Compressor

I'm starting my Jabiru 3300 installation in my CH750 and had studied the FWF instructions from Jabiru USA in preparation. I sorta cringed when I saw the pictures of using pliers to compress the rubber bushings in the engine mount so the nut could be attached to the engine mount bolt! I was in Lowe's this a.m. and was looking for a C-clamp or something similar to help with this task. I spied a "crowfoot" C clamp that has two flanges sticking out instead of one and inspiration hit me! I bought one and ground the two feet of the clamp to clear the engine mount washer (that's actually a spacer in the pic, but it's the same diameter):

 

You then just place the feet beside the washer, and the padded top screw comes down on the mount. Put some nuts or washers inside a socket inside the mount to keep the engine mount bolt from backing out as you attempt to put a washer and nut on it:

 

The end result is that you can relatively effortlessly (and make it a one-person job!) compress the rubber bushings to expose the threads so that a washer and nut can be secured: (In this photo I erroneously also have a spacer above the motor mount washer - it doesn't go there!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought this might be helpful, especially if you have to do this job solo!

John

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on January 2, 2012 at 11:57am

John,

Thanks for a great idea.  I'm getting close to thinking about that.

Ed

Permalink Reply by John Austin on January 2, 2012 at 3:35pm

Your welcome! I also think that clamp will be ideal for clamping the wing struts when it comes time to install the fittings!

Regards,

John

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on January 7, 2012 at 5:00pm

John, 

Went to Lowe's today and they have several sizes of opening or throat in the clamps?  What size is best?

Ed

Permalink Reply by John Austin on January 7, 2012 at 6:15pm

Ed,

I bought the 4" clamp that has one padded foot at the top and two padded feet at the bottom.

Regards,

John

Permalink Reply by Dr. Edward L. Olds III on January 8, 2012 at 12:25am

John,

Thanks, as always.  I bet Lowe's doesn't even know they have an aircraft section.

Ed

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