Dukes Gear Actuator Gears

[MikeOH]

Can you still buy the 20:1 gears?

Mine have soldiered on for 50 years and when, if?, they need replacing I'm perfectly happy to lube them every 100 hours.  I think it's a good idea to take a look every 200 hours, as well.  Personally, I like the quick cycle time.  Maybe the 40:1s will last a 100 years...oddly, I don't care

[Bob R]

52 minutes ago, MikeOH said:

Can you still buy the 20:1 gears?

Mine have soldiered on for 50 years and when, if?, they need replacing I'm perfectly happy to lube them every 100 hours.  I think it's a good idea to take a look every 200 hours, as well.  Personally, I like the quick cycle time.  Maybe the 40:1s will last a 100 years...oddly, I don't care

[Bob R]

Just now, Bob R said:

53 minutes ago, MikeOH said:

Can you still buy the 20:1 gears?

Mine have soldiered on for 50 years and when, if?, they need replacing I'm perfectly happy to lube them every 100 hours.  I think it's a good idea to take a look every 200 hours, as well.  Personally, I like the quick cycle time.  Maybe the 40:1s will last a 100 years...oddly, I don't care

Expand  

I do not think they are. Technically, I don’t think you ever have to replace them unless they show wear. The overview of the AD stipulates every 100 hours they have to be lubed and every 200 hours they have to be inspected and lubed. If you have never looked at them, you might be surprised at just how thin the worm gear may be. If you want to see how they wear, let me know and I’ll post a pic of mine.

Bob

[MikeOH]

57 minutes ago, Bob R said:

I do not think they are. Technically, I don’t think you ever have to replace them unless they show wear. The overview of the AD stipulates every 100 hours they have to be lubed and every 200 hours they have to be inspected and lubed. If you have never looked at them, you might be surprised at just how thin the worm gear may be. If you want to see how they wear, let me know and I’ll post a pic of mine.

Bob

Yes, I've been performing (my A&P) the inspection and lube, per the SB, every 100 and 200 hours.  No wear problems, so far

[TTaylor]

The wear on the gears and inspections are not the only reason to upgrade the gears.  The force required on the small electric motor was one of the main reasons for the change.  The higher gear ratio reduces the strain on the motor and increases the reliability.

The price for the kit has increased to a point it discourages updates. It was about $800 a few years ago.  Mooney should be selling this kit at near cost to encourage adaption and increase the saftey for the fleet. 

[MikeOH]

8 hours ago, TTaylor said:

The wear on the gears and inspections are not the only reason to upgrade the gears.  The force required on the small electric motor was one of the main reasons for the change.  The higher gear ratio reduces the strain on the motor and increases the reliability.

The price for the kit has increased to a point it discourages updates. It was about $800 a few years ago.  Mooney should be selling this kit at near cost to encourage adaption and increase the saftey for the fleet. 

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my earlier post.

My ENTIRE gear system, motor, gears, mechanical, etc. has been functioning RELIABLY, due to proper maintenance, for 50 years!  I'm just NOT seeing the "safety of the fleet" being a motivating factor to tear my plane apart and spend big money for NON problem.  Sure, eventually the motor or gears will need replacing (based on CONDITION inspection).  At which point, I'll be looking for another set of 20:1 gears....50 years from then someone else can decide if they want to put in the 'more' reliable 40:1 gears

IMHO, the few failures that have occurred over the years have been from NEGLECTED maintenance.  Sure, the 40:1 gears may be more forgiving of poor maintenance.  That's just not a compelling reason for me as I'm not planning on slacking off on maintaining my plane.