New Gear Pumps

[jrichards]

Hi All,

Fresh from FAA expansion of my DER authorities to include Systems - Mechanical - Hydraulics, I am establishing my upcoming project schedules and thinking about doing the Gear Pump. It goes without saying that the ever-circulating pool of MerCruiser pumps is getting a bit haggard. I think it's time for a new modern hydraulic powerpack. Anybody agree?

 

[rringgold]

Jim, as Martina knows, I just re-installed a freshly refurbished motor on the power pack. But I could be interested in a spare...hopefully you can do it for a lot less than $1795.00

 

[FS]

I think it's time for a new modern hydraulic powerpack. Anybody agree?

I had once spoken with the folks that made the pump for the 114B+ to see if they had anything similar in a 14v pump, but it went nowhere. I think a better designed pump would not only do wonders for reliability, but also performance -- that is, the rate at which the gear can be retracted and/or lowered. The total power available in the 14v airplanes is about 490 watts, whereas the 28v airplanes are working with about 420 w. So there's no reason we shouldn't be able to get comparable flow and running pressure (.vs. final system pressure) since the actuators and hydraulic lines are the same.

I think price point is going to be key for this project. We're all sensitive to it, but as Rolf says if it's in the $1800 range, maybe even somewhat higher then I think it would be worthwhile to investigate. I'd be supportive once you let us know how many people you need to commit, and at what anticipated cost for the early buy-ins.

 

[milojevicp]

Hi Jim,
Your company reputation is stellar, based on the many interactions we have had with you and Martine over the last 10 years since I have owned FNC. The option for a new and modernized hydraulic power pack for the Commander is a need, and you folks are extremely capable to make this so. Bring it home!
Best regards,
pete

 

[painlesspotter]

Hi All,

Fresh from FAA expansion of my DER authorities to include Systems - Mechanical - Hydraulics, I am establishing my upcoming project schedules and thinking about doing the Gear Pump. It goes without saying that the ever-circulating pool of MerCruiser pumps is getting a bit haggard. I think it's time for a new modern hydraulic powerpack. Anybody agree?

Very timely.
John P.

 

[Johnf3305]

Hi All,

Fresh from FAA expansion of my DER authorities to include Systems - Mechanical - Hydraulics, I am establishing my upcoming project schedules and thinking about doing the Gear Pump. It goes without saying that the ever-circulating pool of MerCruiser pumps is getting a bit haggard. I think it's time for a new modern hydraulic powerpack. Anybody agree?

Sounds good, Jim...I had my gear pump overhauled back in September...$1675 plus labor to remove and re-install...a modernized pump would definitely be great and like Frank said, if it helped with the speed of gear retraction and extension that would be a bonus...

John

 

[Bob7]

Jim,
I think a new modern gear pump for our planes would be well received by the group. I would opt for a new pump vs overhaul of the old pump if required based on what the new cost would be.
Bob

 

[FS]

The total power available in the 14v airplanes is about 490 watts, whereas the 28v airplanes are working with about 420 w.

My bad. I had the wrong note on the current draw of the 28v pump. It actually pulls 35 amps, so total power requirement is double the 14v pump.

 

[Commander91gm]

My bad. I had the wrong note on the current draw of the 28v pump. It actually pulls 35 amps, so total power requirement is double the 14v pump.

Shouldn't the 28v version require 1/2 the amperage (Same watts) that the 14v one does?

 

[rringgold]

John F in Florida, doesn’t your overhauled pump motor move your landing gear faster?

 

[Johnf3305]

John F in Florida, doesn’t your overhauled pump motor move your landing gear faster?

Hi Rolf,
I haven't really noticed any increase in speed of retraction but once the gear is up it doesn't run anymore...the old pump would cycle intermittently to build pressure, and ultimately failed in flight...

John

 

[FS]

Shouldn't the 28v version require 1/2 the amperage (Same watts) that the 14v one does?

If the device were designed for multiple voltages then you would expect lower current draw at the higher voltage. However, in this case the 28v pump is entirely different than the 14v pump.

 

[alim]

Supportive of the project. I've never had to replace my hydraulic power pack - 40+ yrs on my bird (20 under my supervision). I would rather put in new than overhaul mine when the time comes.

 

[plight]

Great idea Jim.

 

[alim]

Fuselage, wings to go ..

I think i've figured out your evil plan. Reproduce every component of the airplanes as re-produced so we can put a whole new serial # up - all produced from Jim Richards parts.
Might as well be you - as the outfit in Oklahoma won't ...

 

[Sherman]

Hi Jim! Fully Agree, Fantastic Project. The one thing I am always anxious about any flight more than an hour, is the Hydraulic Pump dying. Have been blessed so far on N112HT, and as you pointed out to me at 44N a few years ago, I rarely get an "OUUUT" when i turn on the master, meaning my hydraulic pressures in the gear system were 'holding'. But I know the day will come. So YES, I need to participate in this project. Makes no sense to rebuild a 40 year old pump (?) if you come up with a new design & manufacture for similar or better pricing.

 

[Chip]

I just had my power pack refurbished by Turbin Rotables for about $1200. Well worth the price since mine had essentially failed.

 

[N1049j]

Jim curious if the new bracket you fabricated for me will work?

 

[Davidt]

Jim ,

yes please ive lost count of the number of pump overhauls ive suffered in the 18 year living with FT. I think i burnt mine out today finally !!!

 

[BUFDRVR]

I just had my power pack refurbished by Turbin Rotables for about $1200. Well worth the price since mine had essentially failed.

Yeah but the labor involved more than doubles the price! I just had mine done by Turbin Rotables too...it was the second time in 4 years they had overhauled that pump! $3,900 every 4 years is unacceptable!

Mike