Excuse my grumpiness but I just came home from a day of working on Apaches,
Bonanzas, Forneys and, yes, Ercoupes to find more than 35 messages pertaining
to items that I wonder if more knowledgeable owners might solve themselves if
they had the proper reference materials. I am a firm believer in owners knowing
as much as they can about the airsraft they fly and I try to promote this in
all of the owners I deal with.
EXAMPLES"
Engine Oil, FAA and the oil companies agree that oil of the same type is
interchangeable,ie, petroleum or synthetic. The multi weight oil meets all
engine specificatios and works well here in Phoenix as well in the cold areas.
VENTURIS If I had an O-200 I would be usung a vacuum pump for primary and an
electric [EMAIL PROTECTED] for backup. This is what I used for many hours im my
IFR multiengine plane. However I would not use my Ercoupe in IFR due to low
power/slow speed icing, ans turbelence. (my opinion)
GENERATOR 35 amps is better than 12 but the Type Certificate Data Sheet
specifies a 12 amp generator. If you change this it requires an Supplementarl
Type Certificate(STC) or a field approval. If your mechanic/IA says
differently,check with your local FSDO.I feel that an alternator is a better
choice because it puts out higher current at a lower RPM than the
generator.Remember that the generator requires a voltage regulator which is
also listed for the aircraft.
QUESTIONS: Some of the question asked may be answered if each owner had the
following documents:
Type Certificate Data Sheet---Describes the aircraft and equipment
Ercoupe Service notes and Letters
Some of the questions asked could be addressed in these reference manuals.
Some basic changes I have seen suggested here in this forum may require FAA
approval,such as changes to the generating system or even adding washers to
raise the main gfear to raise the tail height
I am not being critical of any questions or comments, just adding my
viewpoint as an A&P/IA and having to deal with FAA on some of these issues. As
an owner you are not authorized to make changes to the design data TCDS for
your aircraft without approval.
I hope my comments do not upset anyone because I feel that all responsible
aircraft owners will want to know as much about their airplane and equipment as
possible. I try to impart as much of this feeling to my customers as I can.
Tom Couper3989H
