Possible Kitfox IV Classic Project?

[Planesmaker]

I would not be too concerned about the engine, I just picked up an airframe with engine attached that had been sitting outside in the weather not far from the ocean 7 years! It looked a mess with corroded tappet covers etc, after getting it home discovered it has never been started so was a new engine,and inside it is still like new with not a trace of moisture or corrosion. Rubber replacement for your engine, you could if you want, I would not think it will be necessary.

[rosslr]

Hey Tom - just picked up another project?? Kitfox?

r

[Planesmaker]

Yes another Fox. William ( 8 yrs old)has claimed it so it will be a kidfox ))

[Wheels]

The project looks SWEEEET! It has the old style pier burg fuel pump, (spelled wrong) and they are great and last and last but are no longer available. That one is new so should actually be fine, but get ready to replace it.
Probably does not have a fuel return line with restrictor routed so you need to do that.
Yep replace the header tank.
I think I see a westac gauge, it will be fine but when it fails, you will want a new gauge/sender, as they are hard to come by.
I fly that model and put a grove gear on it but thats just cause Im a ninny.
Is that the old style engine mount? the new one is beefier, my old one was cracked and many others have had the same problem.
Is the the CDI grounded with a single point bracket? fix that. a broken bracket is a dead stick landing.
Ok, Im done

[Hoenshell]

Thanks for the pointers. Looks like I'll be picking this project up soon and bringing it to my garage. I would like to change this to the Smooth Cowl, but it's my understanding that I will have to replace the engine mount and firewall to do this. So, that engine mount may get replaced immediately anyway. I also want to change from the tube to the Grove or Cabane landing gear.

[HighWing]

...Probably does not have a fuel return line with restrictor routed so you need to do that....

Curious about the need for the fuel return line. 900 hours on a 1996 912UL and about a hundred on my new build with no issues ever on the original carburetor design. Start hot, start cold - no problem.

[jiott]

Hi Lowell, the fuel return line issue has been controversial for years, except with Rotax; they just flat out tell you to do it. I believe its main benefit is to reduce the likelihood of vapor lock during a hot soak and then startup. On my SS7, even with the return line, one hot summer day I landed on a river bar and got out and walked around a bit. Then did a hot start (started up fine) and about halfway thru my T/O roll the engine stumbled and lost most power. Luckily I had enough room to abort and get stopped. I ran it for a few minutes to clear the hot bubbled fuel and it then performed normally. I am sure it was vapor lock and without the return line would have been worse. I know many folks don't have the return line and never have had a problem, including you. But believe me if you do have the problem it can be very serious. My personal opinion is that it is highly specific to each model and individual Kitfox, depending on how tight your cowl is to trap heat, the weather conditions and your flying style. Since the return line is so easy to install, especially when you are building, I say just do it. The cost and time is very minimal and it certainly won't hurt anything if it is not necessary. My 2 cents.

[HighWing]

Missed that it was a IV with the ULS.