Valve Cover and Cowl Fastener

[DannyDot]

I have a BL-65 that has been modified to a C-85 with the long mounts. One of my valve covers has a hole in it due to wearing by one of the cowl fasteners. At first I thought someone had put too long of a fastner in, but that is not the problem. The front part of the lower cowl is attached with either zuse fastners or sheet metal screws (sharp points) and the rear is mostly machine screws. Is this the correct setup for the fastners?

Any ideas on how to fix this. My worst fear is the cowl was not made right when the modification to long mounts was made.

Can I somehow put a pad between the cowl fastner and the valve cover?

I am thinking of moving the nutplate down about an inch. This would get it out of the way from rubbing on the valve cover.

Danny Deger

[crispy critter]

Re: Valve Cover and Cowl Fastener

Danny,it sounds like moving it might be your best option to ensure you don't have this problem again later.

[DannyDot]

Re: Valve Cover and Cowl Fastener

Danny,it sounds like moving it might be your best option to ensure you don't have this problem again later.

I am starting to think moving the fastner is the way to go also. I hate to have my mechanic drill into my nose bowl and cowling, but if I must I must.

Danny Deger

[VictorBravo]

Re: Valve Cover and Cowl Fastener

In a perfect world, your new "lengthened" cowl would re-use the same fasteners, which I believe are Dzus fasteners. However, some Taylorcrafts were built with trunk latches at the top cowl which might be an option for you.

I am completely unaware of any T-craft that came with machine screws in the cowling attach.

Moving a Dzus fastener down an inch shouldn't cause too many problems IMHO, just have a good look to make sure it won't interfere with anything else.

Having something rubbing on the engine is definitely no good. Unfortunately the Taylorcraft closed cowling is not exactly a triumph of convenience or good design.