Running the engines for the first time

The engines of the Catalina were run for the first time on the 5th May 2006. The preparation involved cleaning and lubricating for a few days, running the engines without spark plugs, and finally the start-up tests. After a few hydraulic locks and carburator problems, the engines started and ran beautifully!

The engines being primed and spun without spark plugs - under the watchful eye of Flippie, of course.

Above - applying the final touches and preparing for the first start-up.

The next sequence of photo's show the various start-up and running stages.

The next stage will be to remove the props for overhaul, and to fully pressure-test the engines. Stay tuned for the next release!