Fuel Pressure Sensor

This afternoon I installed the battery hold down channel on the battery.  I also installed the fuel pressure sensor on the firewall.  I mounted the bracket on the firewall then using a socket and the vice I modified the grommet.  I installed the grommet in the bracket and inserted the elbow into the grommet.

I used pipe tread sealant on the sensor and then turned it into the elbow.  I then cut the wires and installed splice connections to the wires.

I also installed some rope handles on the Rotax engine box so it is easier to remove and replace over the engine

Firewall Electrical Components

For the past few days I have sorted, moved and checked the inventory on the parts I received last week.  I also reinstalled the top on the Rotax box.  I removed the box from the bottom so it is now a cover I can remove and work on the engine as needed.

Today I started to install the electrical components on the firewall.  I started by prepping the battery area.  I primed and painted the batter hold down channel and cut the battery spacers from the T6 aluminum tube.

I installed the Master Relay, the Starter Relay, the Manifold Pressure Sensor and the Rectifier Regulator.  

I also installed the ground wires (P-149 & P-151)  to the Oil Reservoir Brace and the Power Cable (P-150) to the battery terminal.  I caped and taped the end of the Power Cable to the fire wall.

Pick-Up and Inventory Engine and Propeller

 Yesterday I received a call from ABF Freight Systems saying they had a delivery for me.  They also said it weighs about 400 lbs and I would need some help getting it off of the truck.  I told them I would come to their dock and pick-it up myself.  I drove to ABF's dock in Salt Lake City in the early afternoon and they put the crate in my pick-up truck.  I drove home and started the  unloading process.  It was a pleasant afternoon so I was able to enjoy the weather.  That is not going to be the case for much longer.  I slid the crate to the rear of the truck and removed the lid.  What treasures I found inside.

There was a ton of paper inside.  I pulled it out and found some scat tube, heat reflective film and the fiberglass cooling shroud for the radiators and for the engine.  I also found the muffler and exhaust pipes in the mass of paper dunage.  I removed the 2x supports and removed the box containing the prop.  I opened the box.  It is a good looking propeller.  Next I removed the end of the crate.  I started pulling out some additional loosely packed bags and packages.  Gee, this is like Christmas.

I removed the end of the shipping crate to expose the engine package.  I pulled the work table on wheels I prepared for the engine.  I assumed I would be able to put the engine on this table and roll it around the garage to work on it until I am ready to install the Rotax on the airplane.  I think my assumption is going to work out very well.  I was able to pull the engine box out of the shipping crate onto the work table without too much difficulty.  I was then able to roll it into the garage.  I have placed the various parts in various locations for now.  I will do some relocating and sorting in the next couple of days.

With all of the excitement, I opened the engine box to peer at the Rotax.  There it is in all of its glory.

I continued to open boxes and bags and did a complete inventory.  To the best of my ability, it appears the only thing missing is a small part on back-order.  I will begin working on the installation soon.

Park Brake Valve Mounting Bracket

I completed the park brake mounting bracket.  I bent it to shape and riveted the nutplates in place.  It will be ready when it is time to install the park brake.

Future Modifications

I worked on 2-future mods for the RV-12.  One is the installation of a parking brake.  I went to MATCO in Bountiful and purchased their PVPV-D park brake valve.  It will be installed in the brake lines going to the control tunnel.  I used the drill template used to make for installing the Skyview changes to make the mounting  bracket.  I drilled the various holes and used the counter sink to prep the bracket for riveting on the nutplates on each end.  I will bend the bracket on our break in the shop at work.  I am planning to remove the cushioned clamp holding the brake lines in the tunnel.  I will use the fastener hole to attach one side of the park brake mounting bracket.  I will need to drill an additional hole for the attachment of the other end.  I have ordered the 45^o fittings to connect the poly brake lines on each end of the valve.  I have also order the bolts and nuts to attach the valve body to the mounting bracket. 

I have ordered a universal light cable from McFarlane to control the park brake.  I also ordered a black knob with the words PARK BRAKE.  I have some thoughts about where to install the control on the instrument panel.  I will make the final determination when I am ready to make the installation.

I also put the ends on the 1/16" tubing for the AOA.  They are connected as the wings are installed.  I will drill the wing and install the AOA port after certification.