New Owner

[pgkevet]

I'm now the proud owner of a second user Avro...always wanted one since the first ads came out..
It hasn't flown for a while so I plan to pull the engine and check the bearings and go through the systems..but it's provenance is such that I know it was built right.

Any special things to pay attention to? Any issues/tips in dropping the engine and in pulling the clunk?

If I decide to assemble a spares kit then anything beyond the usual? I assume the crown gear gets toasted in a tail snag? How robust is the tail box itself? Spare belt?

[Steve]

Just fire it up as it is - go fly.

Why look for 'issues' where they might not exist?

See how it goes, then decide what needs looking at, if anything.

[pgkevet]

[quote=Steve;530515]Just fire it up as it is - go fly.

Why look for 'issues' where they might not exist?

See how it goes, then decide what needs looking at, if anything.[/quote]

With my past record I'm generally a bit paranoid.. the fuel magnet filter is visibly toast from drying out and any engine that has had 18 or so real flights then sat around for months may well have corroded bearings and I feel more comfortable checking /changing them first and washing any dust out.. then swap the blades for a cheap test pair and see...

[Mart61]

I'm with you on the PGK. Don't hurt to check eh? Besides, it's part of the fun eh? You'll get to know the heli a little bitter by a strip-down as far as you deem necessary.

:D

[pgkevet]

[quote=Mart61;530590]I'm with you on the PGK. Don't hurt to check eh? Besides, it's part of the fun eh? You'll get to know the heli a little bitter by a strip-down as far as you deem necessary.

:D[/quote]


Must admit I hate building..consider it a necessary evil for flying and fixing (sadly had loadsa practice)..but also becoming more anal about the builds/repairs having seen most silly things that can happen. And my prefirstflight check winds folk up by it's depth.

Reviewed the manual. It's a lovely design ..a few things that might have been simplified but overall as impressive as I expected. And the frame spacing might even be a few microns thinner than my MinAir:)

The ugraded third bearing might get fitted later and the starter bushing is missing from the holder (not important) Otherwise the inspection is sound so far...

[Jamin_00]

I've only seen one of these before in the hands of James (KnifeEdge) and it looked very good. Flew incredibly well.

I'm sure James will help you with anything you need.

[pgkevet]

[quote=Jamin_00;530668]I've only seen one of these before in the hands of James (KnifeEdge) and it looked very good. Flew incredibly well.

I'm sure James will help you with anything you need.[/quote]

Probably won't fly as well in my hands:)
But a machine I always wanted as I said.. that first stage belt drive takes any vibes out of the drive train. If it wasn't for parts problems UK with MinAir stuff then I might have gone for another of their 90's as being the other machine I know with superb drive mechanics easiest engine access

[BrianS]

They don't wear out!
You question the tail box never had an issue. I would put the third bearing on the main shaft, which I think is listed under performan parts on the
Blitz web .
Give it a good look over, and fly!

[pgkevet]

[quote=BrianS;530678]They don't wear out!
You question the tail box never had an issue. I would put the third bearing on the main shaft, which I think is listed under performan parts on the
Blitz web .
Give it a good look over, and fly![/quote]

Seen the bearing upgrade listing..will get ordered along with a hacking canopy.. the one on there is too nice..

Rubbish weather here today so time to get working on it..

[BrianS]

I did note that canomod are now listing canopies for the Avro

[pgkevet]

[quote=BrianS;530693]I did note that canomod are now listing canopies for the Avro[/quote]

Was aware..but haven't seen it listed UK..add post and duties/charges and still not a cheap every day canopy:(
I think I've got some rattle cans spare somewhere..

[squeaky pete]

ill test ot for ya ;)

[pgkevet]

[quote=squeaky pete;530758]ill test ot for ya ;)[/quote]


..was planning on that..yours is second go:)
...how about coming round and getting the damn crank nut undone for me? Someone was in a viscious mood when they did that up.. gotta hit it with some heat and try not to warp the fan 'cos for sure a long socket set and chopstick jammed in the carb port can''t loosen it (I know why they call them chopsticks now..got chopped up)

There is corrosion on the bearing and some spots on the crank shaft inside the carb so needs to come out.. just letting the muscle fatigue recover before using a flame...

[Hangar-7]

A pic wud help us to see what you've got...

[pgkevet]

[quote=Hangar-7;530765]A pic wud help us to see what you've got...[/quote]

A pic of what?

Enough heat and finally got the nut off.. all pulled apart and sitting here while waiitng for the oven to heat up for the bearing swap. The other residues cleaned scrubbing with paper towel and oil. A few csmetic marks but nthing sinister so expect a good engine. Both bearings were starting to be notchy so this was the right thing to do. Back bearing corrison..well I've seen worse visually but the notchiness is what counts..