Netters; Good news and sad news!
After installing a primer on my KR2's Corvair engine to cure hard starting problems, I test ran the motor this morning (before bad weather sets in here in the Northern part of Illinois). Even though the Corvair's weight has caused some static nose heaviness, I felt that with me in the pilot's seat (150 lbs), some ground handling stability would result..WRONG!!! The good news.the primer worked perfectly.engine started on the third blade. The BAD news, I tried to taxi test the plane (no wings on yet and just a crude temporary panel and fuel tank). Everything was ok for about 50 feet, then after a 180 turn (brakes worked fine too!), the tail started coming up even though the stick was full back.couldn't react quickly enough to kill the engine and she went right up on her nose.good bye Sterba 54/54 prop! Some slight damage to the air cleaner which absorbed the weight not taken by the prop. Question.this is a standard Corvair rebuild with nitride crank, new cylinders, pistons, rod, bearings and heads reworked by Mark Petniunas. Do you think that a tear down is necessary? The engine was at idle and the prop shattered and, I assume, absorbed most of the sudden stoppage. Your comments are appreciated. Bernie McLean Poplar Grove, Illinois
