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Building Tips and technical articles. => 1/2 A building. => Topic started by: John Crocker on April 20, 2008, 05:51:50 PM

Title: The force was not with me
Post by: John Crocker on April 20, 2008, 05:51:50 PM

while flying at then inlaws today I lost the Mini Force to slack lines and a puff of wind on a wingover today.  Full speed with a 5x3.5 MA on 45' lines nosed in.  Fuse turned to toothpicks from the trailing edge to the stabilizer.  Not sure but looks like the engine housing around the venturi cracked (dangit!!!).  Wing sounds like a maracca, splinters coming through the covering.  Was able to salvage the stabilizer and elevator, can't believe they made it as they were "stick built" and covered.  Plane is a lost cause, time to start another.

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: Bill Adair on April 20, 2008, 07:13:56 PM

John,

Bummer!

Bad enough to lose a nice airplane, but damaging a good engine really hurts.  HB~>

Bill

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: Alan Hahn on April 20, 2008, 08:19:10 PM

Remember---a picture is worth a thousand words! :'(

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: Bill Little on April 21, 2008, 09:55:44 AM

J.B. Weld (the real stuff, not the *quick*) has always fixed a *crack* for me in that area.  Just clean it REAL good.  All you need there is a seal, if it is in the area around the venturi.

Bill <><

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: John Crocker on April 21, 2008, 10:24:22 AM

THANKS BILL!!!  I was wondering if good ole JB would help me out on this, gues I'll find out for certain

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: Bill Adair on April 21, 2008, 01:09:30 PM

John,

Hobby People has replacement parts for the Wasp, and crankcases are only $12.

http://www.hobbypeople.net/part/211280.asp

I noticed that their engine price went up to $50, while Tower still lists them for $45.

Bill

Title: Re: The force was not with me
Post by: minnesotamodeler on April 21, 2008, 02:41:02 PM

Bill is correct, I've repaired two Norvels with cracked cases, just clean it really well with alcohol and layer some on.  It's been holding a crack down the venturi for 2 or 3 years now, hasn't spread, also holding a venturi insert in on another.