SECTION 47: SPINNER & COWLING

Build Instruction Updates

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Check for more recent updates here

Before You Start

Modifications to Consider

• Hub and Blade Proxies
  • For Hartzell see VAF thread 3/2024
  • For Whirlwind (1.6" spacing), see 3D-printed parts.

• Split Lower Cowling
  • FB thread 8/2024 with a photo in the comments from Van's RV-10 with split lower cowling
    
  • See also information about potential interference of particular skybolts with the exhaust system in this FB thread.
• Cowl Paint
  • Some builders paint their cowl white with two-component or single component epoxy paint to better see baffle air leaks or oil leaks. Consider these products:
    • Kirker Enduro Prime
    • Totalboat Bilge Paint
• Cowl Heat Shield
  • It is essential to shield the cowl from the heat radiated from the exhaust pipes. Several products are available. Builder usually seal the edges with high temp RTV. A more complete list will follow. For now, consider these products:
    • Heatshield Products 721202
    • Vans EA EXHST/COWL SHIELD
  • Some put fiberfrax underneath the foil in extra hot areas right next to the exhaust pipes:
    • 1/8" Fiberfrax

Notes

Page 47-5

• Step 3: Don't assume your floor is level, better to take a tube level (any transparent hose filled with water and at least 3/8" in diameter). Can be used to level the plane spar end to spar end on the outside, and cowl corner to cowl corner.

• Step 9: For a picture of the inlet ramps, see this FB thread

Page 47-6

Step 7: The kit comes with plain hinge pins however the plans show hinge pins with tabs welded on. Vans sells these special pins ($54 each):

• left pin
• right pin

Note: Long lead times as of Sept 2026. They are not cut to length, so 6' long, means expensive shipping

• If you are using Aerosport's cowl hinge pin covers, check section Aerosport_Hints.