Warbird Information Exchange

Both are gorgeous.

Everyone that spotted the safety wire on the filters is no longer on double secret probation. Don't worry about picking me apart either, no ego to smash here. I just want to make sure the plane is safe to fly. Godd idea on the preoil pickup. Never thought of that but it makes good sense. The Hinz filter works great. Very accessible too but a bit messy when you split to check the disc but a little mineral spirits cleans the floor right up.I guess I could paint the ballast red. I'll post some more pics when we do the gear swing and put everything back together. I'll add to the same thread so give me a week or so. I appreciate the feedback guys. Fly safe!!!

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The more I learn about aircraft, the more I realize I still have to learn.

Non A&P question... what is the yellow tank on the firewall? Oil or Coolant?

Non A & P answer: engine oil - coolant is in the 'suasage' shaped tank over the reduction gear at the front!

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Just some history on the last owner of SuSu
Tom is a clean nut, he would wash and clean both his airplanes every time he would fly them. This included sticking towels in the drain tubes so nothing would drip on his floor, wiping down the entire airplane and even waxing it when needed all by himself as I always made up some excuse to get out of the work.

He is such a clean nut that when we both were at Flight Safety together he even washed the rental car. I absolutely refused to help on that one.

The header tank, Hinz filter and controls in the back were added about 2 years ago at Gerry Beck's shop. I flew it there and back for Tom.

Tom graciously donated his old header tank to the Red Tail Project.

For as long as Tom had it Sam Taber did the maintenance and he does great work on everything he touches.

I think Glen Wegeman worked on it when it was owned by the previous owner Alan, and Glen is one of the top guys if not most respected of all.

SuSu is a well known airplane and has been flown by quite a few of the current mustang pilots. All of the ones I talked to think highly of it as do I.

thanks for the info Mike. As I said in the original post, all the guys that came before me sure make my job easy. The plane is VERY clean and really is a pleasure to work on. We've found no problems with previous maintenance. We had a coolant leak right at the radiator. Nazi brought the plane back from Palomar Ca and hangared it at Falcon Field for a few days. The first night at Falcon it got down to about 25 degrees and it puked coolant from right where the hose connects to the radiator. You know- the one that you can't reach the clamps. Yeah, that one. Anyway, we just decided to change the hoses between the rear spar and radiator since I'm sure some cold set had taken place. Sam Taber did a great job on this plane and I've refered back to his previous log entries a few times.
Hey 51fixer, if Sparrow can get me a valve tool that would be too cool. It is a little harder to maintain the correct gap with the two wrench method. More pics in a week or so. stay tuned.

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The more I learn about aircraft, the more I realize I still have to learn.

"Correctomundo" on the safety wiring orientation. This encourages an opportunity to loosen.

As to the hemoglobin leak, my opinion based on personal experience, "if you do not draw blood, you cannot be having any fun"

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

I'll try to post a pic of the tool in the morning.
Rich

Valve adjusting tool on right.
Original timing plug tool on left.
Rich

Rich, thanks for posting the valve adjuster tool pics. Several years ago I was given a bag on wrenchs, & was told one of those was in there. What I got don't look the same. I worked on & crewed P-51's, but never anything real intense, so I never have performed that task. (adjusting valves) Thanks for your help.
Robbie

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