Gear Checkvalve

[jrichards]

Hi All,

I am about to order a supply of gear down checkvalves from the original manufacturer. This valve is used on Model 112 / 112A s/n 381 and subsequent, and all 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, 114TC and 115. It is located under the back seat and maintains down pressure on the extended gear after the pump stops.

Why you may care:

If you own a 112 / 112A s/n 380 or earlier: you may wish to supersede your gear system to include this valve to augment your worn out "locking" style nose actuator. Rockwell lost faith in the so called "locking" actuator by 1975 and changed nose gear safety from mechanical to hydraulic. We have superseded two 112's to date and have current request for a third.

If you own a later 112 / 112A or other model: you may with to have a spare valve on hand "just in case".

If at least ten of you are interested in joining this purchase, we can offer these valves at $250 each. Delivery to you would be in approximately 12 weeks.

Anyone interested? Gear collapses are expensive!

Thanks,
Jim

 

[ksandrew]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Thanks Jim

Could you explain what it takes to convert? Is it just the check valves or do the actuators have to be adjusted.

From your experience with the two 112s what is the time required.

Life is a barrel of fun.

Ken

 

[jrichards]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Hi Ken,

Actuator stays the same. The check valve gets installed under the rear seat, listening to the UP pressure and in-line with the DOWN pressure. Also, the valve is best combined with a pressure switch (we have available) to command a pump run if the down pressure falls below setpoint. The switch, also, gets mounted under the rear seat and gets OR'd onto the wire running to the DOWN contactor.

Assuming we provide a kit of dwgs, ref pics, and parts, the job should be done and tested within the span of a man day.

Jim

 

[milojevicp]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Dear Jim,

I would take one for a spare.

Thank you,

Pete

 

[bradmc]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

I might be interested in one...

 

[N4843W]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim, I would take one at $250.

 

[iflysan]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim,

"Assuming we provide a kit of dwgs, ref pics, and parts, the job should be done and tested within the span of a man day."

When you add in the pressure switch, this sounds a little bit like "belts & suspenders" working together avoid a gear problem (if I'm reading this correctly). It also sounds as if a 337 may be order to document the system changes.

I was wondering if you could quote or "ballpark" the pricing on the kit...

Regards - Clark

 

[gmores]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

And I believe it was the AOPA Sweepstakes Commander that did a full conversion from the earlier lock-type system to the later pressure switch system. So it can be done although the total cost on that job would likely be pretty steep.

 

[carllee]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

And I believe it was the AOPA Sweepstakes Commander that did a full conversion from the earlier lock-type system to the later pressure switch system. So it can be done although the total cost on that job would likely be pretty steep.

That had been done before AOPA owned it. That was about the only impressive thing about the airplane before the "make over".

 

[gmores]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

That had been done before AOPA owned it. That was about the only impressive thing about the airplane before the "make over".

Yes, I recall a phone call with Steve Ells from AOPA and that was a feature they definitely liked when selecting that 112. Previous owner did the conversion for some reason.

 

[skiing]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

I am in for one Jim.

 

[TylerB24]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Question-

My gear seems to cycle fine, but when I first turn on my master after the plane has been sitting for more than a day, the pump runs for 1 second. Would that be due to the check valve leaking pressure back or is that a normal loss of pressure?

 

[wab003]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Question-

My gear seems to cycle fine, but when I first turn on my master after the plane has been sitting for more than a day, the pump runs for 1 second. Would that be due to the check valve leaking pressure back or is that a normal loss of pressure?

Completely normal. Short zip is fine. If it repeatedly zips multiple times after master on or starts running for 5-10 seconds or more, that would be a heads up about some forthcoming maintenance.

 

[jrichards]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Hi All,

Thanks for your support of this purchase.

We will proceed with the order. All who have opted in will get a checkvalve at the $250 price. After that, the price will be $550.

For early 112 owners: Once I am past the checkvalve order, I will post more information about superseding pre s/n 381 112's to include the hydraulic locking system used on all later Commanders. If we can get a similar level of interest in the entire mod kit, I will fabricate the "chassis pan" and tubes, leaving just a couple hours labor for local shop to install.

Jim

 

[jjacobs]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim,
I'll take one @ $250.00 if it's not too late.
Jim Jacobs N4805W

 

[ksandrew]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim,

Would you put me down for one, I assume if the order gets up to a hundred then the price will drop to $150.00

Life is a barrel of fun.

Ken

 

[CenAir]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim

Add me in if its not to late as I love spare parts for the plane, and seeing it will be $550.00 later is certainly ROP and want to order one now.

 

[DKrueger]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

Jim,

I am also interested, so one more for your list.

 

[brandtb]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

I would like one as well
Berkeley Brandt

 

[jrichards]

Re: Gear Checkvalve

OK, let's go for a 25 pc order. That will save everyone another $20.
But, quickly please, I need to get this order placed.

So: $250 if you order now, else $550 later. $20 back if we reach 25.

Jim