Nose Bowl Configuration

[NC26528]

I have recently re-acquired my family's BL-65 and comparing the pictures from "back in the day" I noticed that the airplane has sprouted an additional hole in the nose bowl.

This hole is round and right below the prop. Considering my Dad first dragged the airplane home when it was only 22 years old (1962) and had no hole, I'm guessing the hole is "incorrect" for this model.

Looking at the pictures in this thread, can anyone shed light on the applicability/legality of this nose bowl to my airplane?

Thanks much.

Many more questions to follow

[Robert Lees]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

To improve cooling of the sump? Has it been based in warmer climes during it's sojourn away from your family?

[NC26528]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Thanks Rob, but what I'm not understanding is when in the Taylorcraft production line this hole showed up? Is it model specific, is it a year break, was it an option on all? Looking at pictures of various Taylorcraft, some airplanes have them, some don't. What's the deal?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

If you can post a photo we may be able to tell if it is a mod or a bowl from a slightly different model.

Hank

[NC26528]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

The hole:



No hole:

[M Towsley]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

I have, personally, never seen one like that before.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Looks almost like a J-3 hole, which ducts to carb or cabin heat?

[NC26528]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Well I must be out of my mind. I thought I had seen this same hole on pictures of other Taylorcraft, but now I cant find a single one. Mine must be the oddball, so that answers the question, I guess.

Perhaps a moot point now, but this hole simply exposes the data plate on the sump. It is a finished hole (bulbed opening), but does not do anything to direct air anywhere. All it will really do (in theory) is add air to the lower plenum, which will reduce the pressure differential between the upper and lower, serving to reduce cylinder cooling.

Guess I have another item to fix.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

I have spent a LOT of time collecting photos of Taylorcrafts, especially pre-war through 46, but I have NEVER seen one like that! As you said, it would NOT help cooling unless it ducted air across the bottom of the case (which doesn't seem to work all that well any way).

Looks like a really well executed inappropriate modification. Wonder how hard it would be to flush patch it with all the curves there. You would need a slightly bulged patch and a joggle around the hole. Needs a REALLY good metal smith to not make a mess of it. Maybe a plug? With warm weather coming, watch the oil temp really close!

Hank

[cvavon]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Maybe a landing light about the right size for a 4509 bulb.

[NC26528]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Looks like I need to fire up the TIG and hammerweld a patch in place. There are some other issues with the bowl I need to address and I need to make new cowl sides, so no big deal.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

Both holes look odd. looks like top hole may have been for landing light. Factory lower hole is more square. Is that a Falcon prop or Sensenich?

[NC26528]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

I have not seen any evidence of a landing light or any other electrical device on the airplane, so i suspect this was some attempt at an air inlet of some sort.

As for the prop, it has a Sensenich today, but I have no idea what was on it back in the 60's when Dad had it.

[mikeg]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

I have not seen any evidence of a landing light or any other electrical device on the airplane, so i suspect this was some attempt at an air inlet of some sort.

As for the prop, it has a Sensenich today, but I have no idea what was on it back in the 60's when Dad had it.

Looks a little like a Flotorp. Sensenich is much better. I've had both. A friends Flotorp was plastic coated-even worse.
Later,
Mike

[3Dreaming]

Re: Nose Bowl Configuration

I think the bottom opening is correct for the BL. My open cowl BL had a similar opening in the nose bowl.

The round opening is added as you pictures prove. It was likely added because someone thought they were having oil temp problems. It allows blast air on to the oil sump, but as you stated it changes pressure inside the cowling.

If you want original it will need to be closed up. If it is not causing any problems you can leave it as it is.