Congratulations on your new baby, Joe. I highly recommend that you
paint the new cork with 3 coats of Poly-Fiber epoxy varnish, though, to
keep it from soaking up fuel and eventually falling to pieces.
Syd Cohen
joe_boucher wrote:
Hi All,
I went to Florida last month to pick up my new prize, Ercoupe 415C
serial number 164, N86991. I spent 3 days with the people I bought it
from (he's a CFI), and flew home to Massachusetts in 2.5 short days. I
have to say, the quality and friendliness of the small airport FBO is
astonishing. All through Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia, I was
welcomed and helped with great generosity and courtesy.
My only problem was a leak in the prop seal about at the Georgia/SC
line. I talked with a mechanic who told me that as long as I watch the
oil pressure closely and stop often for a dipstick check, all should
be well. It cost a lot in oil, but the Coupe is now at 7B2 in
Northampton, MA. I hope to give it a good home there for many years.
One thing that helped, too, was the thread about the overflow tube on
the header tank. Because of the prop seal leak, there was a light but
steady spray of oil back onto the windshield (and all along the sides
of the cowling) which made visibility an issue at times. When it
started getting blurry, I turned on the fuel valve and intentionally
over-filled the header tank. The gas spray from the vent was just
enough to clean the windshield by the time I got the valve closed. It
worked, but is not recommended procedure. While I was getting the prop
seal replaced, we also replaced the overflow tube which had become
clogged with old cork. New corks, new tube, new seal, and N86991 is
flying often and well.
Thanks to all for your great advice and info.
Joe Boucher
415C N86992
