Today, December 13, 2011, I ran the engine on my KR-2 for the first time. I set the choke full on, mixture about mid-range and throttle open a little. Air temp was 45 degrees F. The 2180 VW fired up on the third blade through and ran strong. The VW from Great Plains ASC had only been sitting in the crate or on the firewall for nearly 5 years. Every two weeks I had hand turned the crank through 30 turns and changed the oil every year, just like the real museums are supposed to do. The "used" oil went into my lawn mower. My ground safety crew, Bernie Wunder, signaled an early shut down due to all the smoke. First glance looked like the engine was on fire; had enough smoke for an aerobatic air show act. I never saw it because all the smoke was blowing back under the belly. No sight or smell in the cockpit; the firewall was doing its job real good. Turns out the valve rocker covers were leaking both sides and dripping oil on the hot exhaust pipes. What a mess! Got to fix those gaskets.
When it comes to safety: They too serve who only watch and wait. Thank you Bernie. Sid Wood Tri-gear KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD, USA smw...@md.metrocast.net
