IMG_7529ann

The new BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) banjo bolts finally arrived from Speed Flow of Australia last week. Due to a death in the family and illnesses, I haven't gotten back to working on the Europa for several weeks. But I did today. I had also

IMG_0047post

Walked down to the corner of the hanger to the next line of hangers where there is a WC. This is what I saw to the Southeast. Not looking good. Went to the WC and cleaned up. Looked even more threatening after the wash. Decided to close up and go hom

IMG_1167ann

Went to the hanger after work and put the brake back together. Seems to work fine. I have not safety wired it yet as I want to add fluid, bleed and give it a good test beforehand. When all tests wel,l with no leaks, I'll wire it up. Could have used a

IMG_7541ann

It took almost an hour to carefully and safely get the tap started in the aluminum brake. I sure didn't want to screw that up. Once I had a good start and the tap began to cut, I clamped the tap in the vice with the brake held high so chips fall out and

IMG_9557ann

I dug out a bunch, and came to the conclusion that I'm going to have to order a new brake line and clean out the master cylinder before I can continue here. So I went on to the new mechanical fuel pump installation...

IMG_7267post

Calliper 2

The best solution is shown in this pic from Mike Parkin. A Banjo fitting. The Banjo bolt is straight threads, it lies low, out of the way of grabby things and is stoutly attached. So, I have a number of bits on order from various suppliers in an attem

IMG_7429post

Here's a closeup of the hose end, bolt and washers. The hose end connector is identical to that which was on the master cylinder end so this should easily replace the 90 degree AN hose end provided. We'll know better later this week when I can get to th

IMG_0921post

After I put the aircraft back into the hanger, I loosened the master cylinder and rotated it about 30 degrees to the starboard. I'll see how that works tomorrow.

IMG_0888post

This is the Grove brake caliper I am using. It may not be the perfect replacement for the Europa brake but it sure works. I've e-mailed Robby at Grove and asked if he'd like me to send the old Europa brake caliper to see if they have a better replacemen

IMG_7540ann

That leaves two choices: #1 - tap the brake in BSPP threads or #2 - run the BSPT die over the bolt to thread in BSPT. The brake being aluminum and the bolt being stainless steel, I decided to go with #1 as it seemed easier.

IMG_9562ann

2010 06 06 - Made up an adaptor that fits the bleed and doesn't leak. Began to run fluid into the system. Went up to the master cylinder/reservoir to check on progress. Was I getting bubbles through the bit of fluid it put in back on the 3rd?

IMG_7384ann

The threads on both fittings are 24/in. So that's a match. The issue is one is straight and the other pipe thread.

IMG_7383ann

The Issue, Continued... The blue Tee connector shown has a 3/8 NPT thread on the upper leg. it is a 3/8 x 24 National Pipe Thread. That is, it has a tapered thread. The thread measures 0.373 in on the narrow end and 0.408 in on the wide end. The othe

IMG_7428post

My new banjo hose end for the brake arrived today. Good work Merlin Motor Sports.

IMG_0915post

I stuffed the brake line back into the aircraft, tied it all down and screwed it to the swing arm. Bolted the new caliper to the brake disk and torqued it to 90 in-lbs.

IMG_7441post

Here's a look at the tubing end of the two fittings. Again, similar, but not the same. Can't use the original fitting with the new tubing.