Cracking on rear engine cowling.....

Roger · #1 01-10-12, 08:09 PM

Yes my motor mounts were soft and it allowed the engine to drop enough that the exhausts had actually slightly deformed the bottom of the holes where they exit the cowl. I didn't have any cracks but I did have a bunch of loose rivets which I think were caused by the issue

edasmus · #2 01-10-12, 08:10 PM

Interesting. I have not experienced that sort of issue with my airplane.

Roger · #3 01-10-12, 08:22 PM

Also as I think back about 15 years ago I hare a 70 skymaster that had a screen on the top half and disc on the bottom and the bottom kept cracking. My 80 h doesn't have the screen on top and I haven't had the cracks, just the vibrated out rivets.

edasmus · #4 01-10-12, 08:26 PM

No screen on my 73 G either. I'm searching as we speak for the two assemblies. Sending emails to every salvage yard Ernie has listed on his web-site. Hopefully I get lucky. The thought of wasting more time and money trying to repair my existing one again does not sound too appealing.

#5 01-10-12, 11:10 PM

Have you tried doing a propeller balance? It might be worth looking into.

hharney · #6 01-10-12, 11:18 PM

I was thinking prop balance too. I had some cracking around these areas in the past but since I installed the MT props no issues. I will take a photo of the cracks and we can compare.

edasmus · #7 01-10-12, 11:28 PM

Thanks Herb,

I have had my props balanced twice in the past. Each time after they come back from the prop shop after reseal. It has been about 3 years now. The props go out every 5 years for reseal.