Gear Rigging Day

[Guitarmaster]

So today was gear rigging day.  Fun, fun, fun!  Actually... not too bad.

First a giant thanks to Brian at Willmar Air Services for answering my questions when a roadblock was reached.  Invaluable advice!  Sometimes five minutes on the phone can save hours of work and frustration.  When the tanks start leaking, it will be going there for the re-seal!

Because of the evidence left behind from former mechanics on the rest of the plane, I really wanted to to a complete re-rig of the gear this year.  Boy am I glad I did!!  Here's what we (my IA and I) did.

1.  Replaced both limit switches as the gear would not come down in cold weather.  After researching the schematic, I came to the conclusion it was the down limit switch causing the issues.  This was confirmed with a call to Brian.  Apparently, they replace a lot of them.  I decided to do both since we were there already.

2.  Checked the pre-loads.  WOW    ZERO, yes, ZERO pre-load on the mains and only one of the tubes to the nose had compression on the bungees.  HOLY CRAP!  

3.  Adjust the main pre-load only to find we couldn't get the bungees to compress on the nose.  Que the call to Brian.  He suggested we start from the very beginning, so we did.

4.  Found main belcrank out of rig/adjustment by quite a bit.  Previous "mechanics" tried to compensate for this by adjusting the rod ends to their limits.

5.  Rig main belcrank.  Set-up pre-load on the nose.

6.  Set-up pre-load on the mains.

7.  Tweek gear doors to fit tight.

8.  Works like new!!  Time for a beer!!

This process involves numerous events of cranking the gear up and down manually.  This is NOT a job to do by yourself!  You will spend hours going from the belly to the cockpit to crank and back again.  However, you do get a good workout running back and forth

Special thanks to my 12-year-old son for doing much of the gear cranking!  He saved much time!

I'm sure some think I am crazy for doing this stuff myself when I could simply drop it off at a MSC, but I do love projects and mechanic work.  A major added bonus that I know EXACTLY how my plane works.  I didn't buy this plane as a project, but it sure seems to have turned into one.  I am thankful for my A&P/IA that is willing to work with and teach me his ways.   I told him he should start a shop and be a MSC.  He made some kind of strange noise, but I don't think he agreed.

Time for a beer!  Cheers!  

 

[carusoam]

Excellent report Matt.  Extra points for sharing with the boy.

Best regards,

-a-

[KSMooniac]

Nice work, and it sounds like you might have prevented a gear collapse in the future.

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[MyNameIsNobody]

Wowza.  I wonder how many ticking time bombs are out there waiting to go off?  (Gear not Radicals).  GREAT work!  Time and energy spent may have saved thousands of dollars and many hours of labor.  Did your son get a sip?  (Of the beer to complete bonding experience)?  My Grand Ma used to let me have a sip.  My memory is of the sharing and the bad taste (then) of beer.

 

[mike_elliott]

17 hours ago, Guitarmaster said:

1.  Replaced both limit switches as the gear would not come down in cold weather.  After researching the schematic, I came to the conclusion it was the down limit switch causing the issues.  This was confirmed with a call to Brian.  Apparently, they replace a lot of them.  I decided to do both since we were there already.

This effect is typical of compressed old shock disks when cold vs the limit switches. Make sure these are in good shape while your at it.

[Guitarmaster]

17 hours ago, Guitarmaster said: 1.  Replaced both limit switches as the gear would not come down in cold weather.  After researching the schematic, I came to the conclusion it was the down limit switch causing the issues.  This was confirmed with a call to Brian.  Apparently, they replace a lot of them.  I decided to do both since we were there already.

This effect is typical of compressed old shock disks when cold vs the limit switches. Make sure these are in good shape while your at it.

I think that's more a retraction problem. However, it depresses the squat switch when unloaded.

There were other tell-tale signs like the gear horn being intermittent.

That being said, the pucks are getting replaced next year.

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[1964-M20E]

Yes time for a beer

 

No you are not crazy for wanting to do this yourself.  You now know the proper maintenance procedure was followed and that the gear is rigged correctly.  Bravo!!

 

I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

 

 

 

 

[Marauder]

Now you need to do a write-up for removing the rear reclining seats in our 1975 F models. I had them out years ago but can't remember the process and am too lazy to figure it out.

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[N201MKTurbo]

On ‎3‎/‎23‎/‎2016 at 8:39 PM, Guitarmaster said:

This process involves numerous events of cranking the gear up and down manually.  This is NOT a job to do by yourself!  You will spend hours going from the belly to the cockpit to crank and back again.  However, you do get a good workout running back and forth

I work on Mooneys instead of going to the gym.

Lay on creeper scoot under plane, scoot out get up off creeper, climb in plane and sit down, get out of plane.

Do 100 reps....

For advanced workout, get in plane upside down with head in foot well.

Edited March 24, 2016 by N201MKTurbo

[Guitarmaster]

Now you need to do a write-up for removing the rear reclining seats in our 1975 F models. I had them out years ago but can't remember the process and am too lazy to figure it out.

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They are actually pretty easy to get out. These were clearly not designed by Mooney engineers . There's a pin on a spring that slides into the sidewall and then it just pops out.

I can do the "freighter conversion" in about 3 minutes!

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[Yetti]

1 hour ago, Marauder said:

Now you need to do a write-up for removing the rear reclining seats in our 1975 F models. I had them out years ago but can't remember the process and am too lazy to figure it out.

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Getting them out is easy.  There is a pin on the outboard side reachable from the baggage compartment side.  Pull it and they pop out.  Getting them back in is the hard part.

[N201MKTurbo]

Just now, Yetti said:

Getting them out is easy.  There is a pin on the outboard side reachable from the baggage compartment side.  Pull it and they pop out.  Getting them back in is the hard part.

There were seven words made special for this process.

And somehow working with soft leather or fabric makes me bleed.

[Yetti]

The trick to getting them in (after wrestling with them for about 10 minutes) is straight down.  Not leaning back.  It helps to reach over so your armpit can press down against the spring. Put a flashlight in the baggage compartment. Line up the pin and the hole and push down while holding the pin.   don't forget to put the seat belts on first.

[Marauder]

Now you need to do a write-up for removing the rear reclining seats in our 1975 F models. I had them out years ago but can't remember the process and am too lazy to figure it out. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

They are actually pretty easy to get out. These were clearly not designed by Mooney engineers . There's a pin on a spring that slides into the sidewall and then it just pops out.

I can do the "freighter conversion" in about 3 minutes!

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The trick to getting them in (after wrestling with them for about 10 minutes) is straight down.  Not leaning back.  It helps to reach over so your armpit can press down against the spring. Put a flashlight in the baggage compartment. Line up the pin and the hole and push down while holding the pin.   don't forget to put the seat belts on first.

Either of you have a picture? When I get back home I want to give it a try.

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[Guitarmaster]

I am leaving for the Caribbean for eight days tomorrow. I will get some pics for you when I get back.

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[mooniac15u]

Just now, Guitarmaster said:

I am leaving for the Caribbean for eight days tomorrow. I will get some pics for you when I get back.

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@201er can give you a tip on where not to stay. 

[carusoam]

For anyone going that direction considering reading up on how best to avoid viruses.

There are some things we do everyday without thinking about it as simple as touching surfaces then eating.  Any open container of water and ice can be unfriendly.  Stick with closed sealed containers, avoid ice (handle by people in the back room)

after traveling through many countries, the objective is to see how long it takes before falling ill.

Unfortunately, Mike's norovirus is a pretty strong variety...

The Center for Disease Control may give some better guidance....

http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/reporting/calicinet/data.html

Good luck, 201er, hope your are back on your feet soon.  Let me know if you need anything sent by fed-ex.

Best regards,

-a-

[RobertGary1]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said:

I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box  

 

-Robert

[Guitarmaster]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said: I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box  

 

-Robert

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection.

[Guest]

20 minutes ago, Guitarmaster said:

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection.

That's an impressive gain in speed!

Clarence

[Marauder]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said: I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box    

-Robert

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection.

What is your true airspeed now?

[Hank]

Congrats in fixing things and improving your plane. I resurrected my doghouse across two annuals, rebuilt the carb heat and alt air boxes, then replaced the muffler and tailpipe. Kaboom! I'm 12 mph indicated faster at pretty much all altitudes, but a little more faster down low (3000 msl or less now indicates 150 mph; at 8-10K, it now reads 140+ mph).

Once you finish rigging, there are other places to look. You don't have to wait for something like the carb heat box to fall apart and default to Full On in flight, making you wonder why you worry about clearing the trees at the end of the runway, or making ATC ask, "are you sure you're a Mooney?"  

[Guitarmaster]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said: I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box     -Robert

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection.

What is your true airspeed now?

147 at 4500ft. Have not had a chance to get her up higher yet. That's about +5KTAS.

This is at 65% power.

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[Marauder]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said: I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box     -Robert

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection. What is your true airspeed now?

147 at 4500ft. Have not had a chance to get her up higher yet. That's about +5KTAS.

This is at 65% power.

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Let me know your power settings. I will duplicate them and see what I get. I don't remember Matt what mods you may have. I have the 201 windshield, lower cowl enclosure, flap and aileron gaps seals and no step.

[Guitarmaster]

On March 24, 2016 at 5:55 AM, 1964-M20E said: I would next take on the flight controls since they may be suffering the same fate of the same mechanic.  If everything is correct it shouldn't take more than 4 to 6 hours to carefully check all the key points to make sure they are properly aligned and within specified limits.  You will need travel boards to do this.

The boards get you a start but it will fly like crap afterwards. Then its a series of 5-6 flights of flying, tweaking, repeat. If it flys straight I wouldn't open the Pandora's box     -Robert

We have been steadily working on the rigging for the last six months. She was way out of whack. So far, the speed has increased 9KTAS. Getting closer to perfection. What is your true airspeed now?147 at 4500ft. Have not had a chance to get her up higher yet. That's about +5KTAS.

This is at 65% power.

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Let me know your power settings. I will duplicate them and see what I get. I don't remember Matt what mods you may have. I have the 201 windshield, lower cowl enclosure, flap and aileron gaps seals and no step.

24/24 @ 4500ft. Leaned to just ROP. Oat about 17c

Brake caliper rotation and lower cowl closure. That's it!

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