When I got the Baron, I knew there would be a steep learning curve. One area where I was naïve was the engine cowls. On the Bonanza, you just popped a latch on either side and the whole thing opened up. An oil change required popping 2 latches. Ten 1/4 turn fasteners and one screw. After that everything was easy to get at.
The Baron is requires a lot more. Yesterday I had an appointment to check the bottom engine mounts on the left side. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I have been progressively learning the cowls. I had learned what needs to come off to change the oil, then how to pop the top off. This work needed everything off.
The Baron cowl has a door on each side which each have 10 half turn fasteners. These just let you look in. The sequence to de-cowl starts here. The next step is removing the root fairings with their 16 screws each. You have some choices after that but basically you need to pull the side panels, 11 more screws each.
The next step is the scoop. 6 screws to remove the top panel, 4 on the sides then 3 bolts to release the scoop. Don't forget to remove the alternate induction duct (2 clamps) and loosen the main induction clamp. You can then take out the 40 or so remaining fasteners on the top portion. The 2 that get me are the ones inside where you need a magnetic tip to keep from dropping the screw. Out is not too bad, its much worse going in.
Popping the top off, you are really just getting started. 10 screws release the chin and you carefully work it around the baffles. I learned for the bottom cowl, you want a trash can underneath so that it doesn't fall. Don't forget to unbolt the cowl flap. The 10 or so screws are next and then 4 that are bolted in a hard to get place. Once it drops down, there are 3 vent lines that connect to the bottom. Unbolt the mount and you can now slide out the bottom. All that and we haven't started any maintenance yet.
My mechanic was busy so he handed me the tools I needed and answered questions as I went. It took me about an hour to get it all done. We did the mounts in about 45 minutes and then he said put it all together. He was kind and told me the order to follow and to not tighten any screw until the top, bottom, chin and side panels were in place. Then close the side doors and make sure everything was aligned. At that point work from the top back and tighten everything.
A miracle occurred and I slowly returned all the parts. I then closed the doors, wiggled everything and everything was nicely aligned. I was a bit smart and as I had taken off different bits, I had put all the fasteners in a separate container and labelled them so I knew I was putting the hardware back correctly. I double checked all my connections on the install and that my main induction and alternate induction were secure. I also tested the cowl flap after re-installing, just to be sure.
The mechanic looked over my work and agreed it was all back together. The flight home was uneventful which was good.
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