Fred,
Been there, done that, got the T shirt.
Pontificating now:
I hate learning the hard way, and it takes so long to research
everything, what can we do? I have always believed it is good to trust
but verify.
Many times what is one guys standard is another guys unacceptable.
Problem is, in kit aircraft, in most of the world, there are no
standards we can go to.
I fall back on my background, such as mil spec wire, better than
standard fuel hose, but I do not change the fuel or electrical fittings
---From the kitplane/engine manufacturer unless it has been proven by a
number of kit builders as deficient. I look at copying ideas from
aircraft builders with long reputations for excellence. If a guy
doesn't fly what he builds, I stay away from him and his plane. You
wouldn't take flying lessons from someone who had only read about
flying. However, you can't discount their opinions, as they may have
done more research than you, so recheck their research before using.
I recommend researching the techniques and practices of known
technicians such as, Bob Knuckles' Aeroelectric Connection, for wiring
(but I hate spade connectors), FAA AC 43-13 Acceptable Methods and
Practices, and of course the EAA books on building / how to's and or the
writings of Ron Alexander with the Sport Air Workshops, are also great
sources. But none of these gives you all the answers. Bottom line is
we build kit aircraft like the FAA regulations say "for our own
enjoyment and education". Pete Rafferty taught me how to crimp, but I
learned by practice and research that all connectors are not equal, nor
are crimping tools. Crimping verses soldering depends on your skill,
and putting a 26 gauge wire in a connector designed for an 18 doesn't
work well. Over crimping is worse than under-crimping, too much heat
wicks the solder under the insulation and the wire may crack under the
insulation and you will go nuts trying to find it.
Automotive engine wiring is probably just fine. Let's face it, what
most have is good to about 100C and mil spec is good to 200C, neither of
them flame up when exposed to flame. So if the heat gets that bad under
the cowl (in the summer time after engine shut down it is not uncommon
to get over 100C), you know the wire won't break down because it doesn't
in a car. Just wrap the really critical non sensor wire that keeps the
engine running and run your bundles far enough from the engine block and
headers to ensure the wires are not compromised. Summit Racing and
other hot rod suppliers have super heat shield for wire. If it works in
a race car, it will work in an airplane.
Anyway, this will make a topic for another President's corner in the
EAA chapter newsletter.
Bud
----- Original Message -----
From: Fred Klein<mailto:fklein@orcasonline.com>
To: Bud Yerly<mailto:budyerly@msn.com>
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 8:24 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: firewall penetrations
On Jan 28, 2011, at 4:43 PM, Bud Yerly wrote:
Fred,
I think he meant GPT wire which is common.
Bud...after reading your email & checkin out Allied & comparing w/
mil-spec 22759...
I think I'm hearin myself muttering a 4 letter word beginning w/ "F" &
it ain't Fred.
Thanks so much,
Fred
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