Put the wings on, then the tail section, hooked up the control cables and there she was. Beautiful! Overall this bird is in great shape. Nice sails, pod, full instruments, all the usual. Not that I didn't have to make a few minor adjustments....always do. For instance, the elevator cables were set up with way too much slack. The only way to adjust them is at the foot pedals, so I had to remove the windshield and instrument panel to get to the pedals, but no big deal. All in a day's work.
I have done quite a few engine run ups in the previous weeks and this 447 runs very well. However, the engine is inverted, so it has the usual starting issues. Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years for starting inverted engine setups. Since the plugs are upside down, fuel inevitably drips down into them making them extremely easy to foul. Tip number 1, always shut off your fuel valve after a run up. If you don't have a fuel shutoff between the tank and engine, install one. Tip number 2, use plugs with whatever heat equivalent you require that have an extended electrode. This gets the spark away from the fuel pooling area. Tip number 3, install some sort of primer to prime the cylinders for quick start up. Here is a trick if you don't have a fuel primer. Plug one of the carb fuel overflow tubes with a finger, and then blow into the other one. This blows a puff of air and fuel directly into the cylinders.....instant primer. It is magic when you try it for the first time!
