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Gear Checkvalve
- Thread starter jrichards
- Start date
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Gear Checkvalve
I plan on changing mine in the next few weeks. Pretty messy job and I would prefer to not have to do it on a ramp somewhere.
I plan on changing mine in the next few weeks. Pretty messy job and I would prefer to not have to do it on a ramp somewhere.
Cincinnati, OH
- Aircraft Year
- 1998
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N114AD
- Serial Number
- 20020
Re: Gear Checkvalve
At an annual if you must; but I am a firm believer in letting sleeping dogs... and all that. Wouldn't mess with it if all working normally. Bad juju to tinker with a hydro system that is working normally.
At an annual if you must; but I am a firm believer in letting sleeping dogs... and all that. Wouldn't mess with it if all working normally. Bad juju to tinker with a hydro system that is working normally.
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Installed the new check valve back in November at annual as I suggested that I would.
Would first like to thank Jim R. For making them available.
I had been fighting a gear issue for some time and had done all the usual troubleshooting. The problem was that the pump would cycle at times during flight. Generally about every twenty minutes or so but on longer flights would stop doing it after 3 or 4 cycles. Isolated and capped lines from each leg and found nothing.
I waited a while before reporting back to make sure that the issue was resolved.
I am happy to say that the check valve resolved the problem. Apparently the seat in the valve would allow some bleed down and the gear pump would run. After a while under pressure the valve would seat and the problem would go away. Drove me a bit crazy, but nice to have it fixed.
Installed the new check valve back in November at annual as I suggested that I would.
Would first like to thank Jim R. For making them available.
I had been fighting a gear issue for some time and had done all the usual troubleshooting. The problem was that the pump would cycle at times during flight. Generally about every twenty minutes or so but on longer flights would stop doing it after 3 or 4 cycles. Isolated and capped lines from each leg and found nothing.
I waited a while before reporting back to make sure that the issue was resolved.
I am happy to say that the check valve resolved the problem. Apparently the seat in the valve would allow some bleed down and the gear pump would run. After a while under pressure the valve would seat and the problem would go away. Drove me a bit crazy, but nice to have it fixed.
Cincinnati, OH
- Aircraft Year
- 1998
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N114AD
- Serial Number
- 20020
Gear Checkvalve
Depends slightly on whether you are swapping out the cartridge or the entire valve body. Keep some rags handy to control any leak down fluid. (Don't neglect to purge air from system after procedure through the usual gear swing technique). The cartridge swap is a quick procedure and a few rags will be all that is needed. If swapping out entire valve body, recommend having plugs on hand for the hydraulic line b-nuts to cap the lines while you are working on the swap. Perhaps even caps to block the valve fittings until all the lines are capped. Takes the time pressure off swapping out the valve body fittings.
Depends slightly on whether you are swapping out the cartridge or the entire valve body. Keep some rags handy to control any leak down fluid. (Don't neglect to purge air from system after procedure through the usual gear swing technique). The cartridge swap is a quick procedure and a few rags will be all that is needed. If swapping out entire valve body, recommend having plugs on hand for the hydraulic line b-nuts to cap the lines while you are working on the swap. Perhaps even caps to block the valve fittings until all the lines are capped. Takes the time pressure off swapping out the valve body fittings.
Last edited:
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Bills correct - the caps for the lines are a real help but I also pumped all of the fluid from the reservoir before starting, so the only fluid I was dealing with was what was in the lines. You can also slide a towel under the brace that the valve is mounted on to catch the fluid which will leak from the lines before you get them capped.
In all not to difficult a job.
And if you are installing the Jim Richards valve, you have to replace the valve body. Don't try just replacing the valve since there were more than one valve used and different valve bodies over the years. The cartridge must match the valve body you are using it in.
I got myself in trouble once with a cartridge from Robin Miley,years ago. Looked similar but created all kinds of problems for me until I determined that it was the wrong cartridge for the valve body mounted in my plane.
Bills correct - the caps for the lines are a real help but I also pumped all of the fluid from the reservoir before starting, so the only fluid I was dealing with was what was in the lines. You can also slide a towel under the brace that the valve is mounted on to catch the fluid which will leak from the lines before you get them capped.
In all not to difficult a job.
And if you are installing the Jim Richards valve, you have to replace the valve body. Don't try just replacing the valve since there were more than one valve used and different valve bodies over the years. The cartridge must match the valve body you are using it in.
I got myself in trouble once with a cartridge from Robin Miley,years ago. Looked similar but created all kinds of problems for me until I determined that it was the wrong cartridge for the valve body mounted in my plane.
Cincinnati, OH
- Aircraft Year
- 1998
- Aircraft Type
- 114TC/115TC
- Reg Number
- N114AD
- Serial Number
- 20020
Re: Gear Checkvalve
That misfit must have been hugely aggravating. Guess not really surprising given the "handmade" nature of a number of assy's in our airframes and the building timeline. I also used one of Robin's cartridges but, fortunately, had a good fit. Note that the old cart had become intermittently sticky on closing. Cleaned it up and played with it a Iittle. Seems to be consistently free in operation. Perhaps a spare for the future. Hopefully won't be needed for another ten to twenty years. [emoji6]
That misfit must have been hugely aggravating. Guess not really surprising given the "handmade" nature of a number of assy's in our airframes and the building timeline. I also used one of Robin's cartridges but, fortunately, had a good fit. Note that the old cart had become intermittently sticky on closing. Cleaned it up and played with it a Iittle. Seems to be consistently free in operation. Perhaps a spare for the future. Hopefully won't be needed for another ten to twenty years. [emoji6]
CAVUCO
New member
Utica/Rome,NY
- Aircraft Year
- 1974
- Aircraft Type
- 112 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N973TS
- Serial Number
- 130
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Jim,
I purchased check valve. Do you have this kit w/drawings yet.
Jim,
I purchased check valve. Do you have this kit w/drawings yet.
South Burlington, VT
- Aircraft Year
- 1978 580
- Aircraft Type
- Super Commander
- Reg Number
- N555LP
- Serial Number
- 14405
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Hi Jim,
I need let's say 10 of you to queue up for a supersedure kit so that the costs of tooling the chassis pan and tubes can be reasonable for all.
Jim
Hi Jim,
I need let's say 10 of you to queue up for a supersedure kit so that the costs of tooling the chassis pan and tubes can be reasonable for all.
Jim
Michael Boyd
New member
Owensboro, KY
- Aircraft Year
- 1973
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- 1039J
- Serial Number
- 101
Re: Gear Checkvalve
I have SN 101 and have been fighting gear gremlins for 14 months. I'm bout had it
After replacing all springs, nose axle, power pack, numerous switches, and all else - I was getting the transition light in flight. On jacks today, left main is now sagging (had not done this before). Entire gear issue began with a delayed nose gear lock in November 13'.
Since this is a pre SN 380 model, is check value in power pack as shown in manual? What is likely the cause of left main drop (don't think new seals will fix but am up for any help.
I welcome any and all ideas.
I have SN 101 and have been fighting gear gremlins for 14 months. I'm bout had it
After replacing all springs, nose axle, power pack, numerous switches, and all else - I was getting the transition light in flight. On jacks today, left main is now sagging (had not done this before). Entire gear issue began with a delayed nose gear lock in November 13'.Since this is a pre SN 380 model, is check value in power pack as shown in manual? What is likely the cause of left main drop (don't think new seals will fix but am up for any help.
I welcome any and all ideas.
Michael Boyd
New member
Owensboro, KY
- Aircraft Year
- 1973
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- 1039J
- Serial Number
- 101
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Just now, we cycled gear again and all gear is up and not sagging - can hang on main left gear and it does not sag at all. What is going on?
During past few days, after adjusting nose gear up switch, first test flights were perfect. The third flight of the day produced two small light burps on transition light on glare shield. during climb. The next day I had six burps, this time in cruise as well.
If I flew it now I'm sure it would work fine, then progressively start getting transition light. Thought it was switches but this first event on jacks today replicates in flight conditions. Now the gear is staying up fine.
Help?
Just now, we cycled gear again and all gear is up and not sagging - can hang on main left gear and it does not sag at all. What is going on?
During past few days, after adjusting nose gear up switch, first test flights were perfect. The third flight of the day produced two small light burps on transition light on glare shield. during climb. The next day I had six burps, this time in cruise as well.
If I flew it now I'm sure it would work fine, then progressively start getting transition light. Thought it was switches but this first event on jacks today replicates in flight conditions. Now the gear is staying up fine.
Help?
Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Yes. All the pre-1990 models used the same pump (well, they were interchangeable). The only check valve not inside the pump is under the rear seat.
First, it's not the left main dropping. It's a loss of pressure in the up hydraulic circuit and the left main is just the first thing to show the problem. If you were to let it sit on jacks for a while the right and nose gear would eventually start dropping too.
The good news is it's not an electrical problem. The bad news is it's a hydraulic problem.
It can be either a bad seal in one or more actuators, or a bad check valve inside the pump. My guess would be the pump, but you should run through the process of capping off each actuator just to confirm. That is described in the gear troubleshooting guide, written by Mr Bailey with assistance from Sven. (How'd I do, Bill?)
Yes. All the pre-1990 models used the same pump (well, they were interchangeable). The only check valve not inside the pump is under the rear seat.
First, it's not the left main dropping. It's a loss of pressure in the up hydraulic circuit and the left main is just the first thing to show the problem. If you were to let it sit on jacks for a while the right and nose gear would eventually start dropping too.
The good news is it's not an electrical problem. The bad news is it's a hydraulic problem.
It can be either a bad seal in one or more actuators, or a bad check valve inside the pump. My guess would be the pump, but you should run through the process of capping off each actuator just to confirm. That is described in the gear troubleshooting guide, written by Mr Bailey with assistance from Sven. (How'd I do, Bill?)
Michael Boyd
New member
Owensboro, KY
- Aircraft Year
- 1973
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- 1039J
- Serial Number
- 101
Re: Gear Checkvalve
We have the plane on jacks now and will see if it sags overnight. Again, the last time we put the gear up it has become rock solid. This reflects what it is doing on test flights - perfect for a bit and then the transition light. During the past weeks we have capped off each actuator and they were golden.
A new power pack was installed a few weeks ago and now we are considering contaminants that come and go that may cause a seal issue. Just an inconsistent situation. The gear worked great for 8 years but the last year has been difficult. Thanks again for this input.
We have the plane on jacks now and will see if it sags overnight. Again, the last time we put the gear up it has become rock solid. This reflects what it is doing on test flights - perfect for a bit and then the transition light. During the past weeks we have capped off each actuator and they were golden.
A new power pack was installed a few weeks ago and now we are considering contaminants that come and go that may cause a seal issue. Just an inconsistent situation. The gear worked great for 8 years but the last year has been difficult. Thanks again for this input.
Lawrence Massachu$etts
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1226J
- Serial Number
- 226
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Michael - as Frank pointed out, those of us pre-sn 380 only have the check valve in the pump body itself.
It doesn't take much of a nick in an o-ring to bypass fluid. And don't forget to check the e-dump valve, too.
Michael - as Frank pointed out, those of us pre-sn 380 only have the check valve in the pump body itself.
It doesn't take much of a nick in an o-ring to bypass fluid. And don't forget to check the e-dump valve, too.
Glendale, AZ
- Aircraft Type
- 112TCA
- Reg Number
- N91GM
- Serial Number
- 13184
DKrueger
New member
Mt. Pleasant, SC
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N4761W (Former Owner)
- Serial Number
- 14091
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Joel,
I agree, new pump in July from Aerospace Turbine Rotables (now Kelly). It's in being replaced now after just 55 hours. Good news, at least they covered the replacement.
Joel,
I agree, new pump in July from Aerospace Turbine Rotables (now Kelly). It's in being replaced now after just 55 hours. Good news, at least they covered the replacement.
Planecents
New member
Cameron, TX
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114 Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N4771W
- Serial Number
- 101
Re: Gear Checkvalve
Aerospace Turbine Rotables is not Kelly. I have visited the shop here in Wichita and the overhaul process is superb.
Aerospace Turbine Rotables is not Kelly. I have visited the shop here in Wichita and the overhaul process is superb.