Out the engine comes

It's always amazing to me how fast things come apart but how slow they go back together.  Because the plane was going to be down for 2-3 months and it would have to sit outside if it was at Tim's shop, we decided to pull the engine at the hangar at Paine.  The rainy season would be starting soon so I was glad to have the plane at home.  I would do the initial disassembly and Tim was later coming over with his truck and a winch to do the final removal.

The annual was due by the end of August, so at the finish of the overhaul we'll complete the annual inspection which will likely put the recurrent date into November.

The cam locks make removing the cowling much easier than before.

It didn't look like a sick engine.

I have found that using this old wooden chair with a towel on top to protect the cowling is just enough assistance so I can get the bottom cowling off by myself with ease.

There was hardly a drip of oil anywhere.  The stain on the muffler was from the valve cover gasket sealant.

Disconnected the battery before starting the disassembly.

I took photos of everything when taking things apart so when the time came to reassemble we wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel.

The prototype oil temperature control box that eliminates the need for using duct tape in the winter when the oil can run too cold. 

I tried to keep things organized.

Marking different parts with numbers.

Coding which clips to their home.

Oil out.

There won't be too many parts left at the hangar.

Spark plug wires and JPI sensor probe leads.

Disconnected ready to be lifted off.

The propeller was headed to AC Propeller in Seattle and I would later take it down for an overhaul.

Just the right amount of tension to get the engine mount bolts loose and off.
Every time I look at these they always seem so small to connect all that power to the airframe, but it works.

Don't drop it now.

The engine loaded and secured to a wood pallet for the ride back to Tim's shop.

Something seems to be missing.