Colin Phipps

Brockville Ontario

Canada

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
STOL CH 701
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Plans-only
Building Experience
Have already built an airplane
Flying Experience
Commercial / CFI
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Retired- 62 years civil and military aviation-still working at building, repairing and flying small aeroplanes.

Comment Wall:

  • Wayne Clagg

    High Colin,
    I had oil pressure problems as well until I went to 50 weight valvoline. I utilized the HVX mods to my engine ( these mods push a lot more oil to the heads) and when it was hot it was bad news. I tried everything and after I started using the 50 weight I had no more problems. I had gauge issues as well. Check out my pictures. Of course you must preheat, a lot, in cool weather.
    One reson oil pressure is a prblem in these engines is the crank is ground to the lower limits of tolerance and it makes the engine loose. This is for the kiddie or dune buggy crowd. I measured mine with micometers and dial bore gauges and found it was right at the lower limit.
    I'm running a ellison throttle body injector mounted down underneath and have never had any issues with carburetion. I installed a pump for takeoff but my engine will maintain full power in the climb without it. When I get to a safe altitude I turn it off and cruise along.
    I am very disappointed in my climb performance and I have had some head trouble due to some machine work not being done like it was supposed to be. I also put on a new set of heads from Great Plains because I pulled the sparkplug threads out of the original ones. I started having valve trouble at less than two hours later and at less than 10 I was torn down. I pulled the heads and the valve seats were never done properly and the guides were bored oversize. I emailed Steve Bennet and he said to send them back but no mention of who was going to pay for the freight. I also did not want them ( his supplier) rebuilding them after what I received for new. I have my own valve equipment and I'll fix them myself.
    I worked on putting it back together today and I'm ready to put the cylinders and heads back on as soon as I get my cylinder spacers. I have made some changes that should make my performance better. Stay tuned, keep in touch.
    Wayne

    Jan 9, 2010

  • Colin Phipps

    Greetings Wayne, Thanks for your comments; is the oil you are using multi grade , like 20w50? I believ I have a picture of my engine installation on file here. I am longing for April; when I will be back in Canada; and continuing with the flight testing.
    Kind regards, Colin

    Jan 9, 2010