B-24A Update

[Tim Savage]

Gary Austin just called to update me on the status of Ole 927. As most of you know the airplane was on its way to Selfridge ANGB on Friday. After a fuel stop in Missouri one of the engines started giving them problems. They changed the carb and several other fuel system components today, but that didn't solve the problem. Gary is hot on the problem and hopes to figure out the problem and still make OSH. He asked me to provide WIX members and update and I will keep them coming as he contacts me.

[Steve Nelson]

Thanks for the update..if anybody can get her back in the air, it's Gary!

SN

[Fairfax Ghost]

Were are Gary and the B-24?? Still in MO?

[Second Air Force]

Yup, they are still in Springfield. I just got off the phone with him (2200 CDT) and posted an update on the "Lil" thread explaining the current status. He thinks there may be a valvetrain problem, possibly as simple as a broken or collapsed spring, and will continue troubleshooting after getting some shut-eye. He hopes to be able to make OSH on Monday if all goes well tomorrow, and wanted me to convey his apologies to everyone who missed the airplane at Selfridge and wanted to see her arrive at Oshkosh on Sunday. Unless the problem is very simple, he doesn't see how they can make the Sunday arrival schedule.

He's using us to relay information to the WIX family due to computer problems at his location, so bear with this us as we try to keep you posted.

Scott

[Fairfax Ghost]

Had the same problem with a R-2600 on a b-25 years back ended up broken inner valve springs on two cyl. let the valves float open at power. our crew chased its tail for two weeks. changed carbs and all that. It's always something. Just be glad no one is shooting at you, like WWII Jim in KC

[Second Air Force]

Fairfax Ghost

That valve spring situation is what Gary thinks may be going on--when you get to 28" manifold pressure the problem really manifests itself. I guess the old girl is just being a little shy about showing off her new outfit!

Scott

[Second Air Force]

Fresh update--

Gary found a bad cylinder, I'm on my way to Okmulgee to pick up a new one. Will take my computer along for updates if the airport is wi-fi equipped. No ETA on Oshkosh, but will try to keep you all posted.

Scott

[Second Air Force]

Cylinder installed, engine run-up completed around 19:30. Gary has a couple of minor adjustments left for morning (ran out of daylight) and then cowlings can go on. They will likely be in OSH sometime tomorrow, but I do not know when they intend to launch.

Scott

[Second Air Force]

Elwyn just posted on the "Lil" thread that Ol' 927 arrived in Oshkosh at 11:40 this morning.

[Django]

Yay!