Jeez-lou-eez! $1,222.83 ST-142 Shroud Tube Wrench

[HRM]

I just got the shroud tubes back onto #2 yesterday and discovered that trying to hold an oily tube while getting the springs positioned properly was an exercise. Browsing the O/H manual revealed that there is a special tool, ST-142, the Lycoming Shroud Tube Wrench. Then I wondered what it looked like and found this on SkyGeek:

What shocked me was the price. I knew it would be expensive, but really?

Anyway, any suggestions on easy shroud R&R? Just curious to see what others have done. I wound up using a long-reach hose grip plier to hold the tube and a screw driver to work the springs in place.

On my engine, each tube has two springs (IA does that) and they are not safety wired (lyc said somewhere it is not required). Now I am wondering if the springs were wired in place, you could just use the wrench (or hose pliers) to just twist it into place.

[N201MKTurbo]

I use a big screwdriver, but I think I'll make one of those. I'm thinking $5 worth of parts and an hour or so to make.

Actually that tool would work with the old style tubes, but not the new ones.

Edited December 4, 2017 by N201MKTurbo

[HRM]

1 hour ago, N201MKTurbo said:

I use a big screwdriver, but I think I'll make one of those. I'm thinking $5 worth of parts and an hour or so to make.

Actually that tool would work with the old style tubes, but not the new ones.

I am guessing that the old have the nice, tight V-notch while the new has the s-curve.

[N201MKTurbo]

6 minutes ago, HRM said:

I am guessing that the old have the nice, tight V-notch while the new has the s-curve.

Yes. I like the old ones much better.