Seals and o-rings...they do wear and fail over time.

[Ross Taylor]

My first annual with our '66 E is going pretty well and I certainly don't expect any biggies...but, it's definitely time for new seals and o-rings in a few places.  Master cylinder, flap actuator, and parking brake lock are showing signs of leaks, during the inspection so far.  Fortunately, these are all (I think) relatively minor issues.  Photos just because everyone loves photos...and I'll learn something from the feedback here.  

[Paul_Havelka]

You think it's possible that you may have flubbed an approach and scared the old girl so bad she wet herself?

I actually just rebuilt the oleo strut main gears on my Cherokee 180 and when I removed the large orings at the bottom of the strut housing they were worn/deformed so that the portion contacting the polished rod was permanently flat.  It amazes me at the simplicity of most of the systems that get and keep us airborne.  Like who ever decided "Let's throw an overgrown sewing machine on the front of a beer can and go fly.  And, oh yeah, we want it fast too!!!!"

[Oldguy]

8 hours ago, Creekrat said:

It amazes me at the simplicity of most of the systems that get and keep us airborne.  Like who ever decided "Let's throw an overgrown sewing machine on the front of a beer can and go fly.  And, oh yeah, we want it fast too!!!!"

Seems like in the 1950's the process was design something new, find things in existence to build it with, and viola! New version. Upgrades to follow. At least the '56 Austin Healey with the tractor engine seemed to be that way.

[Ross Taylor]

11 hours ago, Creekrat said:

You think it's possible that you may have flubbed an approach and scared the old girl so bad she wet herself?

Oh, that's not just possible...that's a certainty!  Haha!!

[N201MKTurbo]

It amazes me that people think things that were built 50 years ago are crap because they need service.

Heck, most people I know sell their 10 year old cars if they start to leak....

[Oldguy]

23 minutes ago, N201MKTurbo said:

It amazes me that people think things that were built 50 years ago are crap because they need service.

Until they reach that magic age themselves...

[Ross Taylor]

I love that this thing is old and simple.  But, heck, my milling machine is from 1947 and my metal lathe is from 1952.  And I'm from 1961.  So, this 1966 plane fits right in...

[mike20papa]

O rings - yes.  Like hoses, they have a service life.

http://isca.com.au/index.php/clients/defence/shelf-life

Most often, they are in service beyond the date.  If/when you purchase o rings from a mil spec mfg. they are package with this date printed on the package.

[carusoam]

+1 OH kits with modern Orings...

+1 new hoses... with modern rubber...

brake returns, flap returns, fuel line connectors...

The return line rubber was not as good as today’s materials are...

Expect hard, bubbled, cracked surfaces if they are original...

The good news... all that cherry juice dripped on the belly panels is easy to clean, and won’t come back...

You won’t need to refill the reservoir... for a long time...

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic...

Best regards,

-a-

[mike20papa]

The expiration of the specified "service life" of the o rings in 99% of the GA fleet is one of those examples that proves the old saying "...if you don't think something on your airplane doesn't need working on - then you just aren't looking hard enough ..."  Does it ever end.. ?