OX-5 #1

In my last post, I said I was going to start on an aileron.  The one for the lower RH wing I'm building now is about 90% done, but thought I would wait until it was completely finished before uploading pictures - maybe next week.  I also finished installing all the capstrips and will post pictures of those as well.

Engine number on airframe data tag.

In the meantime, I started some work on the OX-5.  I couldn't wait to get my hands into this engine.  In my very early posts, I mentioned the history of this airplane and the very low time on both the engine and airframe.  This particular OX-5 is also original to the airframe - a numbers matching airframe and engine after 86 years!  I'll be numbering the OX-5 posts like I'm doing with the wings - this one being #1.

Engine number on engine data tag. 

Engine number on crankcase.

Engine number on oil sump.

The first thing necessary was cleaning off all the corrosion after sitting for so many years.  In the A&P classes I teach, I don't recommend bead blasting engines.  It is difficult to remove all the media from the nooks, crannies and oil galley's.  If you're very careful, though, it can be done.  The OX-5 does not have a lot of places to trap media, and only 5 oil galley's - a straight bore from the cam bearing to main bearing.  I also removed all the studs.  They were rusty, and it will allow me to apply new black oxide coating like originally done.

Crankcase and sump prior to cleaning

I blasted the inside of the crankcase with walnut shells to avoid damaging the bearing surfaces, and then blasted the outside of the both the sump and crankcase with the finest glass bead media I could find.  This worked great - it removed the corrosion and brightened the aluminum without pitting the metal.  I then scrubbed everything with an acid etch and treated it with clear Alodine for protection.  I love the clear Alodine for stuff like this.  It protects the aluminum from oxidation while still giving it a natural aluminum look.

Finished sump and water pump housing

Finished crankcase

Crankcase mounted to overhaul stand

My long-time friend Mark also made me this great overhaul stand.  It is beautifully made and will work great for the OX-5 assembly.

My main focus is still the wings, but I'll occasionally do work on the OX-5 and will create posts as work is completed.  Next will be water pump work, cleaning/polishing the crankshaft and checking fit in the main bearings.