I started on a project I wanted to do for 2 years.  Converting my car to run on used cooling oil (a grease car).   I have a friend who can give me all the waste vegetable oil (WVO) I want.  I had the equipment and supplies for almost 2 years, designed a dedicated electronic control system, but for some reason I never got started.  I guess Pats plane threw off my time line…  Building a veggie car is the only reason I bought the diesel Mercedes (Sherman the German).

The conversion plan will happen in stages. 

1.   Get the basic system operational for testing.  No electronics (a simple switch system), no automation, use the 8 gal tank for WVO, the main 20 gal tank will remain diesel.
2.  If everything works well, and I have have a steady supply of WVO, I’ll build the electronics for system automation.
3.  Switch the tanks so the main car tank is used for cooking oil and the smaller 8 gal tank is used for diesel.
4.  Improve the filtration system of WVO, and set up a dedicated area for processing it.   I want to build a centrifuge to get it as particle free as possible before putting it into the car
5.  Improve cold weather operation of the system by adding pre-heaters in the fuel tank, insulating fuel lines, etc. 

My main focus is just getting it going for testing.   Most of the stages will have to wait until after I get the plane done.

I am using a fairly simple system.  It takes WVO, heats, filters it, then using electric solenoid valves turns switch from diesel fuel to WVO.  You must get the WVO up to at least 150 deg F so it flows easily for filtering and burning.   The trick with this system is to start and shut down the engine with pure diesel fuel (to clean the injectors and pump) and have a way to switch over to WVO after the system heats up, hence the solenoid valves.

I am using a diagram I found on the web and some of my own ideas from my research.

..Click on the diagram to view..

This is the space I have to work with.

The aluminum fuel tubing (I used 3/8″), heater core, filter and valves.

Installing the fuel lines was the worst part of the project and the dirtiest.

I was just filthy after this part of the project.

The liquid to liquid heater core is installed.  It takes hot water from the coolant system which flows through a 15 plate core which heats up the WVO.

I machined my own oil filter housing.  I didnt like the off the shelf type.

The system as installed.   My first focus is getting the car running again.  The diesel fuel/coolant system are operational  again, but I wont be able to start using WVO until I build the fuel tank. 

Here it is… my cardboard fuel tank.  I figure it will hold about 8 gal of WVO which well be good for about 160 miles.    This weekend, I’ll start on the fabrication of a real tank.

I need to get back to work on Pat’s plane….

Once again I am sanding on the plane… and I HATE it.  Boring, dusty, my fingers don’t like it but it needs to be done.  

Today, I finished the fuselage and by COB tomorrow the canard will be done which completes all the epoxy rough sanding.  The parts will be primed, block sanded, then re-primer for the trip to CA where the plane will receive the final paint job. 

The interior paint has been ordered and should arrive next Tuesday from Calif.   The interior should be painted by the end of next week.  Pat should have the instrument  panel completed  next week.    Things are starting to move along much more quickly now. 

I am getting excited about wiring because it is the wiring that gives a plane a real personality and is when it comes alive.   As important as the structure and engine are, if the wiring is well done then the plane relatively trouble free.   Over the years, most of my maintenance issues have been mechanical (engine, brakes, etc) and very little to do with wiring.  I was lucky, because at the time I knew nothing about plane wiring.    I am planing to installmy Grand Rapids HX in my plane which means I’ll have to re-wire Tweety.  I”ll be able to install a nose lift, blending winglets and correct my mediocre wiring  job, and make a bunch of improvements similar to the ones installed in Pats plane.

Today was spent on epoxy coating the canard, elevators and micro repairs on the fuselage.  I put 5 coat of west on the uppers surfaces.  It is amazing how well it fills pinholes and scratches.  Tomorrow the bottom surfaces will be coated.    After the epoxy hardens, I’ll be able to sand the surfaces and prime them. 

Fuselage repairs have been coated too.

Between the epoxy applications the mounting of the electrics has begun.  Before the plane is wired, locations most of the equipment  needs to be found.   Clearances checked so you can get the components out if it needs to be serviced (when the plane is fully assembled).    The problem with a LongEZis  how tight everything is.   Without the instrument panel (with the radios installed), it is becoming hard for me to imagine where all the stuff is going to go.   This plane is PACKED with goodies and space is really tight.    One has to imagine electrical interferences (high power lines, transmitter cables, magnetic interferences, ground planes, etc) so everything will work without “cross talk” or noise in the audio system.  What a PITA.

The rotary canopy latch system was installed today.  It required the construction of a new main latch hook because I wanted to keep the rotary latch as far away from the instrument panel as possible.  I’ll paint it black to match the anodized parts.  When the plane is in Calif it can be taken off black anodized there.

After a bit of frustration adjusting the remaining half latching hooks everything is working smoothly now.   I temporarily installed the RAM mount (with my iTouch).  Almost anything can be installed on this mount (696, iPad, Droid, whatever) since it was glassed into the plane with a large backing plate.   All the wires are submerged in the foam so they will not be seen.   The LED spot light was also installed to check the clearances.  Everything ‘just’ fits as planned.

Two small canopy spacer hardpoints were constructed to control the crush of the canopy on the seals.  This prevents over-crushing of the seals thus causing a permanent of the seals.  These hardpoints also keep the alignment of the canopy and fuselage from changing when closed.   I think every plane should have them, but few do.

The lettering is completed for the panels prior to clear coating in Calif.  They will be sent out tomorrow. 

I thought I would give you an idea of the steps involved using the Pulsar system.  First you must print out the graphics on their special paper

Then you chose a color you want and bond it to the graphic, white in this case.

After bonding you peel it off the color film, (you can see how the image was transferred from the film on the right)

Then you take a clear film and put it on the image.  It is SUPPOSED to cling by static electricity to the image.

Then you put it into water, which is SUPPOSED to let the water get absorbed from the backside of the paper.  Then the water is SUPPOSED to travel to the front side, releasing the graphic (which clings to the static film), then you pull it out of the water and glue it to the panel.

This is one convoluted process, but IF IT WORKED reliably as advertised, it would be great.  You could make all sorts of graphics for quick transfer.  Too bad it is so hard to use.   It took me 9 tries ( each try took 15-20 minutes) before I finally got a good transfer on the right panel. 

I have started investigating silk screen printing.   There are all kinds of ways to accomplish it from sheets of pre-applied photo resist screens, to “do it yourself” methods of applying the chemicals to the screen.  The nice thing about silk screen paint is that it VERY TOUGH.  You go through the same process as what I have done with designing the computer graphics but making the screen takes time.  Overall, with all the wasted time spent with Pulsar system, I have easily made silk screens.  I called a local art store today and talked to them about supplies and they have everything I need.  I am going to check them out and get some supplies to play with.

Now to the plane, I started on canopy latching system and again found more little problems to solve.  To me building a plane (and more so with RE-building a plane)  is just a series of continual little problems to solve.   The canopy latch system I bought from Jack was the wrong size so I had to reuse the original latch system.  The threaded rod in one of the of the parts was destroyed by the anodizing process.  The lath was necessary to remove the stub.  The rod was quickly repaired.

Then I found out the anodized handle (right) would not work (geometry wrong), so a new one needs to be made. 

At least I am doing fun things now… solving more problems and building parts!

I took Chomp to the doctor and alas, he is no longer with us.  He passed due to too much alcohol and has gone to the great tick heaven.   The doctor checked me out and didnt think Chomp has left any lasting reminders, but put me on medicine anyway as a “prevention” measure.  Chomp has left us but wont be forgotten for at least 10 days (when my pills are all gone).

Spent ALL FREAKEN day working on lettering 3 panels.  I HATE this lettering system.  Thought I had it mastered the techniques only to find out the weather, humidity, air temp, temp of the water, acts of God, whatever???!!!? is causing it to not work.    I WOULD NOT recommend the Pulsar lettering system.   Great idea, but it is way too touchy.  If I had  spent my time learning how to do silk screening all the lettering would have easily been done by now…  I want to spend my time building planes, not lettering.

Five hours effort for two little panels…..

I still have the main passenger panel to complete.  I will keep working at it until it is done…. 

The trash can with failed attempts… 

Today was a relatively fun day, but somewhat short one.  I had a slow start due to a slight infection (I hope it is not from Chomp)…

I decided to move the BOTTOM VOR antenna connection from where I just installed it last week.    I thought it was not the optimal postion for easy access and thought there could be a better place for it.    I could have easily left it in that location, but since I was installing TOP #2 VOR connector on the front of the canard cover, why not move #1.    It only take a few moments to put in, and even less to take out.  Worked out great!  

Former location

New location:

Glassed in.   Now when you install the canard, the BNC’s are protected, easily visible and easy to connect.

The Trio Pro pitch control system is installed with all the hardware.   My installation instructions I published a few years ago for the community still work well.  I will have to make a few updates to take into account a changes on the rotary arm and servo tab length.   Wiring needed.

The closure of the hatch door is complete and sanded.  Ready for epoxy sealing.   Need to complete the installation of the canopy closure system (tomorrow or Wed).

The Grand Rapids Horizon HX EFIS electronic sensor module (dual AHRS).  This box contains he main instrumentation sensors for the glass panel.   Wiring and tubing needed.

I am taking Chomp to the doctors tomorrow.  I think he may have had too much alcohol to drink.  He just doenst seem to have much energy lately.

Last Sunday, April 11th,  a hungry new friend invite himself to lunch at my place.  His name is Chomp.   Chomp stopped by to visit me while I was working in the garden Sunday afternoon.  Hum, what that little black bump on my back?   Could it be Chomp cozying himself up to me for a snack.…???   

After checking the internet I found out he is a young male”Lone Star” tick.  Lonely for a good meal for sure!  Not the kind of friend you want to invite over for a quick lunch especially when you are the main course. 

When I pulled him away from the dinner table, the first thing on my mind was what sort of nasty stuff was Chomp capable of carrying?  The next few hours was spent on the trusty internet studying ticks of all kinds.    Not exactly what the way I planning to spend a nice Sunday afternoon with a new friend. 

I was hopeful that I might dodge the disease reaction bullet …since: IF the tick has been chomping on you for a short time (less than 24 hrs) AND he has not sucked a full load of blood (he/she is small and flat and not engorged) you most likely be OK since the bacteria from the tick is usually transmitted to the host after the tick is “topped off” with blood which occurs many hours after stopping by for the meal.   

I also found you should save any tick you remove from your body “just in case” there is a reaction and it needs to be “further researched”.   You can put feed a tick lots of rubbing alcohol or wrap it a moist paper towel and put in a pill container.    I offered Chomp fine 2010 beverage direct from CVS  (actually he had lot of alcohol) and was in drunken revelery time for a short while.   Oh, that little guy liked to party!   He was kicking up a nice jig for about 5 minutes and then …well the alcohol got to him!     Don’t let anyone tell you I am not a good host!

Tuesday, Chomp and I are heading off to the Dr Walkers office  so he can check out a nasty red/black welt on my back and see whats up with Chomp.  He is still feeling the affects of the the alcohol and hasnt been himeself lately. 

Friday,   

I had a chance this morning to kill a few hours before the flight back to Charleston at 3 PM, so I drove up the coast on highway 1 from Long Beach to the LAX airport.   What amazed me is how beautiful this area is!  Scenic over looks of the beach, unspoiled rolling hills.  Just incredible!    

The amazing thing is this is just west of the BOQ a few miles.  In LA!!

When we took off it was interesting to see the beaches and hills I had driven past this morning from the air.     

In the center of the picture is where the BOQ was located.   

These are some louse pictures from my cell phone which had to be used since my camera was packed away.  All the more reason to buy a “smart phone” which has a decent camera/internet/ text capability.  I bet it can even be used to talk human to human.   

After extensive research I have settled on the purchase of a HTC EVO on the Sprint Network.   

HTC EVO on the Sprint Network

 Soon, I’ll be able to consolidate all my carry around stuff (phone, camera and iTouch into one piece of equipment.  That’s the great new, the bad news is Sprint has not released the phone yet, nor is there a price on it.  It will be coming out sometime (hopefully) in May at a cost of (hopefully) $200 with a 2 year contract.   Sprint also has a great $69 plan which gives you unlimited everything with 450 minutes of talk.  It has unlimited talk for cell to cell call, so if I go, watch with the EVO watch out because I’ll be calling your cells whenever I can!   

A few more hours were spent just tooling aound LA with my trusty Garmin GPS and then it off to the airport for a quick trip home…   

WEATHER DELAY……….    

The trip home was indeed the longest one I have ever had.   The flight was weather delayed from LA to Atlanta and we missed our 10:45 pm Charleston connection by 10 minutes.    I was treated to a not so pleasant room at the Comfort Inn (at my own expense) for the night.   This is the first hotel I have ever stayed at that I checked the bed for “critters” before retiring.   Maybe thats why they assigned me a KING sized bed….for unexpected guests.     

Saturday morning, I arrived bright and early at ATL and found the flight was delayed again by an hour.   Bottom line, the flight was 12 hrs longer than planned.        

Years ago I remembered an art exhibition at the Atlanta airport.  The art deco strobe lighting is now gone but the African art is still on display.  Beautiful rock carving from Zimbabwe.    

Surprisingly, at the gate waiting for my plane, I ran into an old friend from the Aero Club who was heading back to Charleston for reserve duty.  John Nevitt.  He flew at the Aero Club an worked his way up the experience chain and is now a first officer for an airline.  Loves flying, but it doesn’t pay the bills, so he is also a reserves and has a small business on back in Louisville, KY where he now lives.   Times in the airlines are tight!   John and his wife Peggy, who out ranks him in the reserves (he is enlisted, she is an officer).  I wonder who gives the orders in John’s house?

Here is a Nick Nugget for you.   The hardest part of any trip is the first mile down the road, the best part of a trip is walking in your front door.  

Sure is nice to be home.

After leaving Chino (about 35 miles NE of LA), I drove south (25 miles SSW) on some flowered covered hill sides to Lake Forest to have dinner with David Orr which was a real treat since we never formally met.

Snow can be seen in the mountains!

I first contacted David about 12 years when I first started looking for a canard airplane.  David keeps detailed lists of canards (engine size, builders, current owners, general history, build quality, condition, paint job, etc)  and connects buyers and sellers for a small fee.  The experience and detailed records of planes he maintains is invaluable for a canard buyer.   He asked a lots of questions about what I intended to use the plane, my needs, price range, etc and recommended a SPECIFIC LongEZ with a 0320 (160 HP) engine.

Naturally being cheap and not wanting to pay the Piper, I bought a Varieze with a C90 engine in Florida (later sold).

I then hooked up with Tweety in 1997, a 0235 (108 hp) LongEZ  .   After living Tweety for 150o hrs,  an old cranky lady who moved at the speed of grandma driving on the interstate I finally decided I had enough!  I gave her a heart transplant and installed a newly overhauled IO-320 and downdraft cooling, oil heat, new interior and now she is one “bitchin” nice (as Pat likes to say)  perfect lady.  Responsive, sleek, economical, thrifty, wonderful plane.   It only took me 8 years to get back to the type of plane David originally suggested.   David knows canards and I take my advice, I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to avail yourself of his his “canard finding” service if you are looking for a nice Bird.  In the end, you be happier and have a much better canard experience!

David has a beautiful home on a man made lake.  Fortunately it was too cold for him to take me on his electric boat. What a mistake on both occasions.

A nice dinner at a Thai restaurant, and a trip (12 miles NW) to his hangar to check out his latest plane.  A Berkut, which is a really nice fast bird (has an O-360 in it)  Right now she is in primer awaiting a good painter.

An interesting bottom cowl outlet for the oil coler  IF you have updraft cooling.

Time to drive another 24 miles WEST back to Long Beach and the BOQ.    I drove about 95 miles today…did I say LA is big, BIG city?