PC Yoke button woes.

[Mooneymite]

On the way back from Dalton, GA today, the PC just didn't seem to want to "grab" hold and stay engaged.  When I got home, I discovered that the PC button on the yoke was not "springy".  At least it wasn't springy enough to hold pressure against the bottom O ring.

After further investigation, I found that the "ity bity spring" inside the button body was broken in half.

Does anyone have one of these floating around their hangar, or in the bottom of their tool box?  Either a complete button would work, or just the spring.

I've made a temporary "owner fabricated" spring that seems to do the job, but I'd like an authentic part.

 

 

Edited July 23, 2016 by Mooneymite

[mikerocosm]

I'd bet that Jerry at Brittain in Tulsa ( www.brittainautopilots.com ) has a box of those things on his bench, or can at least point you somewhere. I'd give him a call at 918-836-7701.

[Mooneymite]

Oh, yes.  Jerry will have the part.  No doubt, but they charge (as they should) full retail.  I'm  hoping someone has installed an S-tec and has a spare button left over from their PC.

Jerry charges a very fair $200 for rebuilt pilot valves, but I've found them surplus at avionics shops for less than $40.  Brittain parts aren't too tough to find.

Jerry is a great resource to the Mooney community.

Edited July 23, 2016 by Mooneymite

[Hank]

Gus, I have a spare button a friend gave me when cleaning up his hangar several years ago. If you want it, it's yours. I need to look at the spring, there's no doubt the orings need to be replaced . . .

Edited July 24, 2016 by Hank

[Jerry 5TJ]

You may not need a new button:  The PC button in my "C" broke in the same way about 8 years ago.  I took the broken pieces of spring to a local electronics shop (Electronics Plus) and found a replacement in their collection. I think they charged $2.    I recall I also replaced the two O rings and cleaned out a lot of gunk both inside the button and in the yoke-mounted PC valve base.  

[HRM]

Naughty, naughty...someone hasn't been doing PM on his button. Gotta lube it with all that pushing in and out and in and out...

[Mooneymite]

3 hours ago, Jerry 5TJ said:

You may not need a new button:  The PC button in my "C" broke in the same way about 8 years ago.  I took the broken pieces of spring to a local electronics shop (Electronics Plus) and found a replacement in their collection. I think they charged $2.    I recall I also replaced the two O rings and cleaned out a lot of gunk both inside the button and in the yoke-mounted PC valve base.  

Great idea!  Thanks.

[Mooneymite]

11 hours ago, Hank said:

Gus, I have a spare button a friend gave me when cleaning up his hangar several years ago. If you want it, it's yours. I need to look at the spring, there's no doubt the orings need to be replaced . . .

Great.  Thanks, Hank.

Bring it along next time we do lunch...

[Mooneymite]

3 hours ago, HRM said:

Naughty, naughty...someone hasn't been doing PM on his button. Gotta lube it with all that pushing in and out and in and out...

You may be right.

I'm always a bit nervous about oil in the vacuum system.

[Mooneymite]

As usual, Brittain to the rescue.  Cecilia is a terrific asset to the Mooney community!

Prompt, courteous service at an unbeatable price.

 

Cecilia Henderson

Manager,

BRITTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.

3266 N. Sheridan Rd.

Tulsa, OK  74115-2310

(918)836-7701

 

Edited August 7, 2016 by Mooneymite

[TheTurtle]

How do you get the button out of the yoke?  My PC wont disengage and it feels like my massey fergusen tractor.  I talked to brittain and it looks like it wont be much to fix it but Id like to pull the button to release the vacuum in the mean time. 

[Hank]

Pull up on the button. There's an orings that holds it in the yoke. If it's too tight, pry gently on it from underneath and let it slowly raise up. Here's what it looks like; pry gently on the slot between the button and the yoke.

[carusoam]

Hank...

You ARE good!!!

The power of MS comes directly from its users!

Best regards,

-a-

[Hank]

Anthony--

Note the excellent pry tool in the photo beside the button. Please don't use a screwdriver . . .

[TheTurtle]

awesome thanks guys.  The guy at brittian said "if you can get it out" that would disengage it and made it sound hard or breakable   And I didnt see a nut or screw.  Just pull harder was the answer!

[carusoam]

The copper tool is softer than the stainless part, enough to not accidently scratch an important surface.

And I thought the penny was there for scale.

Best regards,

-a-

[yvesg]

If you happen to own the tool to install skybolt fasteners for the cowling, the curve in the tool exactly matches the wing leveler yoke button curve. I used it when I needed to replace the orings.

Yves