--I had to replace a torque tube during a rebuild. Could not believe
that the nickel plating is hand removed to fit the tailplane bushes and
the assembly is then sold as a set as new. Fine until you need a new
torque tube when you find it wont go through the tailplane bushings. 2
loose bearings in the tailplanes later after the cautious use of a
flapwheel on an extended drive shaft and I gave up on rebuilding any
more Europas.
Hope that helps
Gary McKirdy
--- Original Message -----
From: Robert Hatton
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 7:57 PM
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
I am reading these torque tube troubles with a vested interest. I have
a torque tube with some surface rust and my immediate view would be to
replace the torque tube but for the fact of the job that it would
entail.
On a previous thread (a year or more ago) I read about the "earlier"
torque tubes for the pre-XS Europas were not a standard dimension.
Therefore the current torque tubes as supplied by the factory for the XS
models will not be an exact fit for what I would like to replace. I
believe I will have to work on the elevators as well as having the
difficulty of extracting the torque tube itself.
Has anyone experienced removing a torque tube in order to replace it
and can offer some advice?
At the moment my LAA inspector is reviewing what we have once I have
cleaned up the torque tube after rubbing down wet with WD-40 with 800
grade sandpaper. If the tube looks too far gone after this exercise then
I will not have any choice but to replace.
Robert Hatton
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rob Housman
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:43 PM
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Actually my point about not using it was to alert the others
monitoring the list that no matter how slight a defect such as you have
seen, not to use any part with plating that is peeling.
I would not recommend re-plating. Although it is possible to remove
the nickel, for example by immersing the part in nitric acid, possible
(likely?) damage to the substrate would make the part less than
airworthy in my opinion. The steel tube is so cheap that it would not
be economical to spend the time to repair it - replacement is the likely
answer you'll get from the factory.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, CA
Europa XS Tri-Gear
A070
Airframe complete
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rick
Stockton
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 6:18 PM
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Thanks Rob, Yes, I know not to use it, but now what do I do. ?Get a
new part from England or have this one replated? Still waiting for John
to get back to me.
Rob Housman <rob@hyperion-ef.com> wrote:
My business is plating, including nickel plating. When
electrodeposited
nickel does not adhere to the substrate it is indicative of inadequate
cleaning and activation of the substrate. DO NOT install any parts
that
have the plated metal peeling because the problem will only get worse
as
more material peels.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, CA
Europa XS Tri-Gear
A070
Airframe complete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Graham
Singleton
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:41 AM
To: europa-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Tailplane torque tube troubles
Rick
loose plating might give you trouble with tailplane removal, the fit
in
the tailplane bushes is quite tight.
Get it replaced or replated, that should not happen
Graham
Rick Stockton wrote:
> I installed the tail plane torque tube a couple of days ago and
strayed
> it with AFS-50 then wiped it down with MEK. I noticed that the
plating
> is flaking off on one side. I sent an E-mail to John asking him what
he
> thinks I need to do.
>
> Are there any ideals? Have it replated, buy a new one?
>
> *
>
>
> *
--
Graham Singleton
Tel: +441629820187
Mob:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List
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