Bravo Cowl Flaps

[tls pilot]

Last flight the cowl flaps went inop.

At destination we noted that the cowl flap were open and could be pushed up(closed) w one finger and little to no force.

Both cowl flaps closed at same time. Took the cowling off for a look at the cowl flap motor and linkage.

The cowl flap motor runs in both directions. The roll pin sheared on the cowl flap motor, the drive shaft is intact.

Getting the sheared pin out of the hole in the drive shaft will be the tricky part.

Question: How do the limit switches work? Without the pin attached to the linkage the cowl flap motor will operate in either position

up or down and will not stop unless switch is put in the trailing position ( middle ).

With pin off and linkage NOT attached to cowl flap drive shaft, we can push up on flaps and have switch to closed position, the motor will run and run

same on the open side.  Leads one to believe the pin must be connected to allow the limit switches?? 

What makes the limit switch work? Want to make certain the new pin does not shear due to a limit switch.

Anyone with direct experience on this issue, please comment.

Currently at a very small rural airport without any resources.

 

Obviously could fly the plane as we did coming here over 4hrs. The flaps must find a trailing position due to prop airflow forces (close the flaps)and 

inside cowl forces (opens the flaps). Just do not want flutter on the flaps and then further damage....

 

Thanks

[carusoam]

While waiting for an answer...

Got any pics to go with that? 

Best regards,

-a-