The Murphy Builders Site

Today, the skies cleared and the winds tamed a bit for a second flight. It was 30 degrees F at the surface, wind 12 Kts. I took off and again, didn't get my nose up right away -- this thing picks up speed really fast. I slowed to 120 mph and initiated a climb where I saw over 1500 fpm all the way to 5500 ft. I left full throttle and prop in until reaching altitude. Then I pulled the prop to 2300-2350 rpm, and the manifold pressure stabilized at 23.5-24 inches. That's only 65% power or so and I was still going 155-160 mph. My CHTs stabilized at 385-400. OIl pressure 60 psi and temp 160. It's going to be difficult to break in these Chrome Cylinders with such an overpowered aircraft. Fuel flow indicated 14.5 gph.

I have a couple issues. I can hear on my radios but can't transmit. It appears to be a stuck mic situation. Something I'll have to troubleshoot. My trim indicator light also goes out shortly after engine start, but the trim still works fine. This might be a loose connection. Finally, I have a small leak from the #1 valve cover gasket. I'll order a silicone gasket and check the cover for flatness. Otherwise, an outstanding performer, lots of power, fast, and should be somewhat economical when I'm able to finally pull the power back.

Jerry Folkerts

After a short trip to visit grandkids, our weather has been horrible -- still waiting to get the next flight in. In the meantime, I located my radio transmission grounding issue -- was grounded and constantly transmitted. It turned out to be a pinched wire in the pilots stick grip where the two halves mated together. I learned a lot along the way in tracing the continuity problem and was thankful I had a good pin out diagram for my avionics. I also replaced the gasket in the number 1 cylinder valve cover gasket which was seeping. Along the way, I learned something that may be helpful to others. Believe it or not, I broke the stud on the retaining screw at the bottom of the valve cover. And, to make matters worse, I broke an EZ out trying to get it out. After reviewing my options and searching Vans Air Force Forums, I purchased a carbide tungsten bit for my Dremel at Lowe's. It was a 1/8 inch shaft that basically tapered to a point with the coating at the last 3/8 inch of the tip. I turned the Dremel to the lowest speed, 5K, and held it steady. It took 45 minutes and I stopped every minute to add a bit of oil to the tip. Amazing how the bit went right through the EZ out -- it just ground it up to powder. There was no tendency for the bit to wander off center. I was able to drill a hole straight through the EZ out and stuck bolt, then gradually clean it out until I could see the outline of the threads. I then picked out the rest, ran a tap through it and voila! It worked! NO MORE EZ outs. I hope my stupidity helps someone else in the future.
Jerry Folkerts

Wow! That’s quite a story. I would not have thought the ez out would be that drillable either. I had no idea the s Rebel was so fast. Are you flying at gross weight? That’d help. My bird is a rocket ship with me and half fuel but when it’s up around 1800 or so I can tell. Craig

Craig,
I've been flying solo with half fuel (40 gal). It's also been very cold outside. We'll see when I start loading it up. Looks like a break in the weather early next week.
Best,
Jerry