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I wanted to give a big thanks Mike Regan for coming out to KDMW today for me to check out his RV-7A. His cowl pin insertion method from inside is real simple and elegant . Over the next couple of weeks I will have this modification on my RV and will document it for the group in a new thread.

Sweet Mike! I've been looking for ways to do this on mine too!

Hey Mike:

Thanks in advance for documenting that cowl pin insertion approach.

Two questions:

1) Do you have any concerns about this adding a hole through which carbon monoxide might leak or fire might penetrate, or is it so small that these will not be issues, and

2) Do you think it will be inconvenient to have the pin removal mechanism in the cockpit where you will not be able to reach the cowling if needed during removal?

Antony

A tiny hole for the pin would be trivial in terms of CO leakage, but you could always put a piece of temp resistant foam or other compressible product over the cockpit side of the hole and is pierced by the pin for extra peace of mind.

aparchment wrote:
2) Do you think it will be inconvenient to have the pin removal mechanism in the cockpit where you will not be able to reach the cowling if needed during removal?

Antony

It is an easy reach from where the pin goes in, in the cockpit to being able to hold down the top cowling aft end and rear corners.

aparchment wrote:Hey Mike:

Thanks in advance for documenting that cowl pin insertion approach.

Two questions:

1) Do you have any concerns about this adding a hole through which carbon monoxide might leak or fire might penetrate, or is it so small that these will not be issues, and

2) Do you think it will be inconvenient to have the pin removal mechanism in the cockpit where you will not be able to reach the cowling if needed during removal?

Antony

Antony-

I don't have much concern over CO coming in through the hole. The tubing I plan to use is 3/16" Outer Diameter / 0.132" Inner Diameter. The pin diameter is 0.090". So that means there is a 0.021" space around the pin in the tube (assuming the pin is perfectly centered. For a length of tubing about 1' long there is a little friction induced in the tube, along with there is a knob on the end of the pin which would sit against the cabin end of the tube. So, in short, little chance for CO to make it into the cabin! However, if you are still concerned, I am sure you could thread the end of the tube and put some sort of a washer on it that would seal against the pin.

The way Mike Regen's setup was (and I will copy this) is the tube extended to the F-902 bulkhead, which is easily reachable from inside the cabin. Sure, when you put on your cowl you will need to be on the wing or inside.

How about a 3/16" anchor nut lined up with the pin. Put a 10/32 screw in the anchor nut, remove the screw when you need to pull the pin. Done deal.

Thanks guys. Really looking forward to seeing details of this installation.

I just completed the cooling ring inlet installation last night, and they turned out great! Thanks again for the write up Mike!

Nice work, Chad! How sweet!

Chad-

Looks GREAT! I really like your intake rings!

Sweetness dude!

That is going to give the front end look a real boost Chad.

dons wrote:That is going to give the front end look a real boost Chad.

I must be the only person that likes the look of the standard cowl better. Hope you guys will let me camp next to you

Spike wrote:I must be the only person that likes the look of the standard cowl better. Hope you guys will let me camp next to you

I may change my mind after I have to start doing fiberglass work .

looking good Chad....you can come do mine when I get a cowl

hydroguy2 wrote:looking good Chad....you can come do mine when I get a cowl

Have Mike come out there...I copied off him!