RobertGary1 Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Seem to have to replace one of these each year. They don’t seem to last. Am I the only one? https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/flushlatch.php
Ragsf15e Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Mine has different type of latches that are twist 90 degrees and stick up maybe 1/2”. They seem solid. Is what you have original?
apriav Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Propeller balance may help. Vibration is the culprit. 1
carusoam Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Robert, Got any pics of your installation? are they standard Mooney parts? Similar hardware is on the LBs as well… no issues. Best regards, -a-
MikeOH Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Doesn't seem right. I've had my plane for over 4 years and no issue. And, no telling how long they've been on the plane before my ownership. I will say I don't let them 'snap.' When I open them I use my other hand to let the latch open slowly.
RLCarter Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 Like @apriav I’m leaning towards a vibration issue……. How are they failing, and are the failures the same?
Guest Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 I’ve no suggestions. The only thing that I’ve seen go wrong with Hartwell latches is broken rusty springs and broken aluminum from releasing the latches with a snap instead of restraining them with your thumb. Clarence
N201MKTurbo Posted November 29, 2021 Report Posted November 29, 2021 I made a new oil door for my F (N6319Q) back in 86 with Hartwell latches. They are probably still on it and working fine.
RobertGary1 Posted November 30, 2021 Author Report Posted November 30, 2021 Don’t really have any vibration issues. Here is where they break. Maybe a bad batch?
MikeOH Posted December 1, 2021 Report Posted December 1, 2021 Hmm, that is an odd failure point. It implies, to me anyway, that the hole/pivot point is being over stressed. Are the latches stiff/hard to close? Mine are effortless (beyond the spring tension).
RobertGary1 Posted December 1, 2021 Author Report Posted December 1, 2021 2 hours ago, MikeOH said: Hmm, that is an odd failure point. It implies, to me anyway, that the hole/pivot point is being over stressed. Are the latches stiff/hard to close? Mine are effortless (beyond the spring tension). Now you have me thinking. I think I did add some anti chaffing tape to the door s few years back. Maybe the door sits tight now. I ordered a new latch and will check that out.
Guest Posted December 1, 2021 Report Posted December 1, 2021 You may be on to something now. Hartwell latches do come in a variety of different offsets for different panel thicknesses. Clarence
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