Aileron Flight Control CHAIN

05-03-2011, 05:50 PM

gderamel | Aileron Flight Control CHAIN

HELP! Anyone know who sources the chain for the ailerons on the flight controls?!

05-07-2011, 06:18 PM

gderamel

Planemakers, once again, came through in a pinch and helped me out and found the replacement roller chain. In case anyone needs this info in the future... it's a 3/8" #35, which can be purchased from McMasters & Carr.

Question - before I go badger Planemakers (again) does anyone know if it's a bad idea to use an Add-and-Connect link (aka masterlink) (see attached pic) to connect the chain to the cable forks (see attached pic)? My A&P seems to think its "fine" but I want to triple check with y'all since so much is riding here. The 'Build Book' seems to call for swedging a .141 rivet but the swedging-tool and rivets aren't available.

Experienced builders with experience/know-how on the matter - PLEASE share your expertise. Thanks.

05-08-2011, 05:36 PM

Mike

If they clevis pin with cotter pin one end then why not the other. I don't see why it would make a difference unless it rubs on something

05-09-2011, 07:34 AM

Tom Saccio | Chain

The one thing I would do is put a large washer on the small sprocket at the top to keep the chain from slipping off. It happened to me and it was not fun. It will act as a guard to stop the chain from coming off the sproket. Tom Saccio

05-09-2011, 08:18 AM

Mike

Huummmmmm, hey Tom, thats a concern. Any pictures?

05-09-2011, 05:10 PM

Ed Lynch | Aileron Chain

Mine has a clevis pin attachment at both ends, and has been trouble free. Remember that the chain should be free of slack, but not under the same 35 pounds of tension the cables have. To get that happy combo, loosen the bolt that holds the two sprockets together, then tension everything together just to get rid of slack, then tighten that bolt, and finally put 35# on the cables. Sounds worse than it is. By the way-that little sprocket should straddle the two chains for best results. Mine needed some shimming with washers to get that. Ed

05-10-2011, 06:45 PM

gderamel

thanks guys. the book was definitely NOT clear about how to tension the chain... now I know (release the 3/16" bolt between the double-sprocket!).

Tom,

Excellent idea with the large washers on either side of the small sprocket to catch the chain. Too late for me now (already rigged) but will certainly explore this come next winter down-time. Proper tension on the chain should prevent the chain from EVER skipping, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

05-11-2011, 06:12 AM

mike reibling | Heart attach

I’m having a small heart attack reading about flight control issues…:ee….Is there something I should know or be looking for…..

“G” What happened to yours that made it require replacement?

Mike

05-11-2011, 10:12 AM

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike reibling View Post

I’m having a small heart attack reading about flight control issues…:ee….Is there something I should know or be looking for…..

“G” What happened to yours that made it require replacement?

Mike

Hummmm, I think G rolls and loops that plane tooo much. Probably loosened up that chain in a 20G loop

05-11-2011, 10:49 AM

gderamel

...not to worry, it was my rush to remove the existing chain that caused the problem; nothing to do with its design. what instigated everything was my intent to free up some of the frozen links on the chain.... long story made short: it was easier to replace the chain instead of fixing it.

I haven't test flown it yet, but anxious to see how the new (clean) roller chain, along with the better tension will feel - should be like a Ferrari!

05-12-2011, 10:50 AM

Ed Lynch | Aileron Chain

A nice dose of WD 40 sprayed on, and at annual time, should keep your chain in good shape. It will still slacken over time,though, and bring on a repeat of the complete tensioning procedure. I have done mine over once already. Ed

05-13-2011, 07:11 AM

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Lynch View Post

A nice dose of WD 40 sprayed on, and at annual time, should keep your chain in good shape. It will still slacken over time,though, and bring on a repeat of the complete tensioning procedure. I have done mine over once already. Ed

Ed,

WD40 or a White Lithium Grease?

05-14-2011, 08:26 PM

Ede Lynch | Aileron Chain

Certainly grease will do, or bicycle chain lube, but I'm partial to WD 40. I've been using it a long time, and it's good for my arthritus, too! Keeps the rust at bay, and makes me smell like a mechanic! Ed

05-15-2011, 08:37 AM

Mike

Hummm, rusty mechanic grease......Hummmm, I use Canadian Club and Ginger Ale. A typical mixture of 50-50 works well....