Coil Spring on Retractable Step

[mooney27239]

The coil spring on the retractable step on my 65E is broke and my mechanic isn't having any luck finding one. Can anyone help me with that?

[GeorgePerry]

You could always remove the step and associated vacuum lines, plug the hole, never worry about maintaining it again, and go 1 knot faster.

[rob]

Nah, that'd move some weight forward. The speed gain from the weight loss would be negated. Fix the step

[Ned Gravel]

I'm with Rob.  Fix the step.  Way cool contraption.

[Immelman]

Call LASAR. They are cheap.

[scottfromiowa]

First thing I replaced (broken) when I bought my Mooney.  I thought parts were going to be cheap as it cost about $10.00 and has worked great for 400 hours...George, how would a retractable step cost you a knot in speed????  I value the step as those that are shorter use to aid getting on off wing...like my 81 year old mom.  The step rocks and is much improved over a fixed step...NO issues with a gear up either.  I think I got mine from Dana at Wilmer.

[MooneyMitch]

We have been down the step vs. no step, speed loss vs. no speed loss subject previously.  Search and you'll find it one of the threads...........don't remember which one though.

However,  I do have to comment again on "The step rocks and is much improved over a fixed step...NO issues with a gear up either."   If you are saying that because the step is retracted, it's not an issue in the event of a gear up, well.............Once again I will explain MY gear up many moon's ago.

My gear up in my F was a mechanical issue and not accidental and the step was deeply [and quite expensively too] involved in the final outcome.  You know how, in this type of unfortunate situation, were are told to turn off the fuel, shut of the electrical, open doors, etc...............and try to stop the engine with the propeller in the horizontal postion?

By stopping the engine and attempting to get the prop. in that position, the vacuum was removed and the step lowered itself prior to landing.  Yes, we're heard from those that say the step did no damage to the plane during this event, but in my case, the fully lowered step played havoc on my baggage compartment and outer skin area.  That is one STROng piece of aluminun!

So, for those that have and those that will.............maybe the step is kind of an unknown with regards to what, if any damage it my cause.  I do wonder with a fixed step [man, I hope this does not happen to me], if it would simply shear off? 

[eaglebkh]

I have the manual retractable step (no vacuum).  I wonder if it's possible or feasable to convert the vacuum retract to a manual retract.  It's just a cable and a crank in the cockpit.

[funvee]

Call LASAR. They are cheap.

 

Does anyone know who else might carry the springs?  The people at Lasar said they don't have a listing for the spring I need (67 F).

 

Thanks!

[scottfromiowa]

I got mie from Wilmar several years ago. Try some of the Mooney Service Centers.

[Alhall]

Try Don Maxwell 903-643--9902 He has helped me with parts before

[47U]

It's PN SH8G28, correct (see .pdf attached)? 

Texas Air Salvage shows one in serviceable condition (see pic).  Looks like something out of my tape measurer. 

Also, from controller.com, Foothill Aircraft (Cable Airport, LA basin) says they have two, in "new condition" ... 909-242-8304. 

There's some other hits also, but those two look the most promising.  Hope it pans out (and is affordable).

 

Vacuum Step.pdf

[rockydoc]

Talking about retractable steps.   My mechanic replaced the cables and the step works fine EXCEPT...it won't stay in the fully retracted position.  It gradually goes down about 10% of the way even though I keep using the crank to raise it.  Is there some adjustment I can do or part I can replace that keeps it in the fully raised position?

[funvee]

It's PN SH8G28, correct (see .pdf attached)? 

Texas Air Salvage shows one in serviceable condition (see pic).  Looks like something out of my tape measurer. 

Also, from controller.com, Foothill Aircraft (Cable Airport, LA basin) says they have two, in "new condition" ... 909-242-8304. 

There's some other hits also, but those two look the most promising.  Hope it pans out (and is affordable).

Thats awesome... It looks like what i need so I have placed the order from TAS.  Thanks for looking it up for me, I really appreciate it!

Shawn