Left Gear Up Line Corrosion

3

3Bellanca

New member
Hello all, my husband and I own a Cruisemaster we bought a year and a half ago. We were doing a gear swing (we are both A&Ps, I am an IA) and got some spraying hydraulic fluid left of the power pack. Come to find out the gear up line for the left gear had a pin hole in it. It was actually corroded and had pitting, it was the part of the line under the scant tubing for the cabin heat under the pilot's seat. Anyone seen this problem? We had been having a problem with the gear and we couldn't figure it out, we believe this was the culprit. - Ava Shubat
 
Hello Ava,

Although the corroded hydraulic line is an obvious answer, it is by no means a complete one necessarily. Okay, so I've had so many power pack problems over the years in my 1950 14-19 'Master that perhaps I've become a bit addle-brained regarding hydraulic issues.

Nonetheless, after you've replaced the faulty line, I would not stop there. Swing that gear some more, check the pressure and so forth. Then, when your 'Master is sitting once again on her wheels, and you've fired up the engine, check your pressure gauge - at idle RPM - as you cycle the flaps. Check it again as you apply gear down pressure at idle, on the ground. If all seems fine (800-1000lbs/psi) check for leaks once more: around the pump, and around the pack as well as the lines.

What year is your Cruisemaster, BTW?

Jonathan
 
I fully understand that, didnt mean it that way. Just wondering if the gear was slow, came off the locks , etc. And after your experience I'd be gunshy too.
 
Just kidding, Bob....when you stop laughing at this stuff...well...you knoiw what happens.

My 'Master has a wonderful airframe and I will proudly keep it a 14-19.....despite the dollars I dare not calculate, and the friendship of a steadfast fellow who has helped me with the only price of being allowed to make fun of my choice :)

Jonathan
 
Don't YOU start too, Bob! :roll:

He's making great progress overhauling the actuating cylinders, replacing lines, and cleaning the ones you can't gain complete access to. Oregon Air Parts (in California, of all places) sent a good 750N core off to a shop in Canada that turns power packs around in three days. Imagine that - an aviation shop that operates like a business.....no offense to those, such as Joe and Lynn, who have done so all along.

Yeah, as I may have mentioned, my 750N was not rebuildable.

My Luscombe arrived today. The ferry pilot flies the line but enjoys basic flying the most. It was a strange sight seeing a guy climb out of my tiny Luscombe in his airline Captain pilot duds :) He had a flight out of Richmond later in the day.

Now we're having a pleasant conversation and all, but I wonder if Ava is going to return to get us back on topic...hmmm....

Jonathan
 
Hopefully she will.

I flew my Cruisemaster DASH TWO to Spokane last weekend, and I remember now why I LOVE it. Could have taken a 737 and arrived in 6.5 hours, but took my old wooden winged airplane and got there in 5. Add to that the fact that I didnt take long in the security line and the trip was way worth it.

No wood no glue no nails my foot!
 
That's a Cruisemaster minus two, Bob :wink:

Sounds like a fun flight, plus you knew who was flying and didn't have to listen to the ENDLESS blabbering they make flight attendants utter.

"Can I get you anything, sir?"

"I'd love some SILENCE....gimme the whole can, with a cup of shut up on the side."
 
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