Got my fuel flow/air pocket problems resolved, got a replacement major overhauled O200A to replace the C90, finally got oil pressure on the O200A, and ready for the first start attempt.  Yesterday I had my fingers crossed as I tied down and chocked N345CC for its first start attempt.  I made a final check of all that spaghetti of wiring from the back of the instrument panel to and through all the necessary appliances that should make the prop turn and engine start.  All the "electrons" had to go in the correct direction and there were so many opportunities for them to "go astray".

I carefully check the panel; didn't need carb heat, throttle slightly cracked open, mixture full rich, primed it three times, ....... the moment of truth.....master on and switched to the "start" position.  Before I could even think of counting prop rotations, that old Continental lit off before a complete rotation of the prop!  Just how lucky can you get!?

My mechanic and I looked the engine over carefully and observed zero leaks of fuel or oil.  Idling steady with a little roughness, I could see a slight movement of the engine which looked rather normal to me, but my mechanic thought is was running a little rough.  I shut down and check the ignition wires. Sure enough I had the two bottom ignnion wires reversed on #2 and #4 cylinder plugs.  Correcting that, I restarted the engine and this time there was no roughness and almost no perceivable movement of the engine except the smooth rotation of the Sensenich aluminum two-blade propeller.

I was elated and couldn't be more pleased.  A great day and all is well in my "small' world .... at least for now.

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Comment by Bill Bear on September 26, 2021 at 1:35pm

Thanks, Jimmy.  Once in a while all the stars seem to be in alignment !

Comment by Jimmy Young on September 26, 2021 at 7:39am

Nice job and congratulations. Always good to see another 0-200 powered 750 getting close to completed.

Comment by Bill Bear on September 24, 2021 at 1:51pm

Thanks, Clint.  All instruments indicating normally except electric tac.  I might have made a wiring error - checking that out.  Glad I haven't installed the top skin over instrument panel.....still have easy access to redo wiring if necessary.

Comment by Clint L Gosch on September 24, 2021 at 10:18am

Congrats Bill!  Big milestone!  You'll be in the air soon!

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