Step retract boot patch?

[0TreeLemur]

Hi everyone,

The step retract servo boot on our C has a leak.  It stops retracting with about 8" left.   I've got one spare.   Before I replace the boot, I wonder if there might be a way to patch it to get some more life out of it. Access is great, this little tear is about 1/2" long on the downward facing side of the servo.   Anyone ever do this?

I can see that changing the material properties by applying a patch might create problems/stresses elsewhere on the membrane, which suggests a thin patch. It also must be a thin patch because it must roll around and not hang up as the membrane changes orientation during retract/extension.  Any ideas, or should I just bite the bullet and replace it?  In 2021 is there a really cool way to patch this so that we might get a few more years of life out of it?

I know about the excellent electric conversion, but I don't want to do that now.   I'm fully committed to the Brittain system and my vacuum pump is brand new.

 

[Guest]

Ask your maintainer if he has a repair kit for rubber decider boots, it’s meant for small hole repairs.

http://www.goodrichdeicing.com/products/detail/pneumatic-de-icer-pin-hole-repair

Clarence

[Ragsf15e]

Or use a bicycle tire patch?

[hammdo]

Liquid tape maybe? I have one of those boots etc after my electric step...

-Don

[0TreeLemur]

1 hour ago, Ragsf15e said:

Or use a bicycle tire patch?

Maybe.  I think thinner is better given that this thing has to fold back on itself as the step retracts.

[0TreeLemur]

40 minutes ago, hammdo said:

Liquid tape maybe? I have one of those boots etc after my electric step...

-Don

Looked at a video on youtube this evening of a guy who experimented with fixing bicycle tubes with "flex tape"!!!    Meh.  

Thanks Don.  I'll keep your extra retract boot in mind.  I'll follow up with a possible solution if I find one.

Fred

[hammdo]

Understand, this is more of what I was referring to:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gardner-Bender-1-in-x-1-ft-General-Duty-Electrical-Tape/3385480?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-elc-_-google-_-electrical-_-LIA_ELC_106_Tools-Wire-Connectors-_-3385480-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&ds_a_cid=112741100&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv5uKBhD6ARIsAGv9a-yFtoUo4DE4m76t0v-zgls1PuS5AXnVROnloPYM-5CYmKdcONxGR80aAohlEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

basically liquid electrical tape...

-Don

[Marc L.]

We used a bike patch from Walmart. specifically the patch kit that comes in a can. been working great

[Browncbr1]

Flex seal, tire patch kit, or 3m electrical tape. All work fine

[0TreeLemur]

Acquired tire-patch kit from Wally-World for $4.00.   Figured there was enough gap between the cans for a thin patch from the kit to make the turn.  Scraped, slathered, pressed and waited 30 minutes.  Viola.  Fully retracting step.  How long will it last??? That's the question.

[apriav]

I have used fuel tank sealant CS3204 B1/2, it is good for a few years 

[Dandy Don]

Had the same problem 4 years ago when I bought my M20C.  Someone disconnected and plugged the vacuum line and tied the step in the up position. Searched around looking for a way to patch 2 small holes in the boot.  Finally went to Lowe’s and purchased a 3 oz tube of “Loctite PL Marine Fast Cure Adhesive Sealant”. This sealant is nice and flexible with a 24 hour cure time.  Only used a small amount on and around each hole.  My step has been working flawless for the past 4 years.  Highly recommend it.  

[carusoam]

Way to go Guy!

That is great news to hear.  

Best regards,

-a-