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November 6, 2001 Day 92, 702.5 hours The moment of truth! Pressure testing of the main fuel tanks and sump tank. The truth was not pretty. The left tank (being tested here) was OK, but the sump tank and right fuel tank leaked. The sump turned out to be a loose fitting, but the right fuel tank required repairs in three places before it would hold pressure, and it still has a small leak that has not been found. |
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November 9, 2001 Day 95, 722.5 hours This picture shows the completion of the fuel lines on the forward side of the firewall. The tank at lower center is the sump tank which collects fuel from the right and left main tanks. The plumbing at the top is air venting for the various tanks. The bar across the center is the linkage for the main landing gear. |
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November 14, 2001 Day 98, 744 hours Engine cooling depends upon pressurized air flowing over the cooling fins of the cylinder. This requires a tight fitting cover, or plenum, that has to be made from fiberglass. Because the plenum must be removable and provide access for servicing the engine, there are a lot of individual parts. This picture shows the completed plenum installed on the engine. |
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November 16, 2001 Day 100, 756 hours The electrical system installation begins with the attachment of wiring harnesses that are made in advance and pulled through the various ducts and channels to the required locations. This is the termination point for the main harness that connects the engine systems (starter, alternator) and various sensors that monitor engine parameters (fuel flow, oil pressure, temperatures, etc.) |