Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Yes, I was thinking the same thing Les because there is no seal where the shaft exits the top of the cylinder. Looking at the parts manual, it confirms there is no seal around there either. Based on your experience, I think I will drain a little fluid from the reservoir and see what happens. Thanks for all the input.

That was it Les, thanks for your input! I drained a teaspoon or so from each cylinder, and viola, no more leak. Thanks again.

All true. And the piston actually floats on the end of the shaft. What that means is that the piston needs pressure from the shaft to actually seal and provide brake pressure. Once you release the pedal, the pressure from the shaft on the piston is released and therefore, fluid can flow both directions. Just FYI.
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Cubes

Those of you that have air intake from your rear baffle, could you post some photos of your setup. I would really like to pursue this installation. I assume you need a horizontal induction sump.

Also, are there any drawings regarding the cowling installation? I didn't find any in my set.

Ryan, I did induction off the rear baffle with an updraft carb and large scat. Take a look in photo albums... Les

Looking in from the right side. Connects to the air filter with 3" scat.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

That's what I needed, thank you both. Les, I'm posting your photos from your album here in this thread so I can come back and easily find yours and Bob's photos when its time.

Well, I ran out of room on my garage, so I moved to the airport. I didn't feel like there was much else I could do at home anyway. My next plan is to fit the wings to the fuse. Then install the flaps/ailerons, wingtips, etc. That will give me more time to find an engine.

I have come across a Lycoming 0-361-F1A6 out of a Cessna 172RG that looks interesting for my T18. Does anyone know of a reason why this engine would not be a good fit inside a Thorp cowl? Any other issues with running this engine on a T18? I attached a pic of the sump. Thats the only area I could foresee interference with the bottom cowl.

You should be ok on the sump clearance as this is a horizontally inducted motor (so you can spare some clearance where the carb would be. Which brings up your biggest hurdle .. you'll need to alter the engine mount to accommodate the aft facing carb, which has been done but it is something that comes into play.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

dang, I don't want to mess with that. Thank you very much for pointing that out.

The motor mount mod is not so daunting. You cut the bottom "X" out, then rebuild the "X" with a dip in it and gusset all joints.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL