Hi Gang, Just wanted to let everyone know of a problem I found on 2735H. In my annuals, I usually just jack up the mains at the knee joint, check bearings, brakes, damper fluids and pucks, let the wheel down and consider the job done. When I installed the pants on 2735H and did the test flight following the annual, I noticed the pant on the left side was out of line and to line it correctly jacked the bird up using the main spar to let the wheel swing free. After aligning the pant correctly I was checking it out when I noticed the wheel could be moved sideways about 3/4". WOW! Too much! Removed the pant and found movement was at the knee pin.
Following much cussing and yelling along with figuring out how to press the pin (which is actually a small axle) out correctly, it finally came out along with the phenolic bushing on which the trailing link rotates. After fifty years, the bushing was paper thin and my cussing had inadvertantly ruined the 32 tpi threads on the pin end and the lock nut. Called UNIVAIR for replacements along with other bushings and nuts and bolts for the damper linkage. Took about two weeks to get them and then the bushing was not reamed to the correct size and am now awaiting a replacement. (By the way, the pin costs $158.32 and the bushing is $5.89) Two things to remember: 1. Always jack the plane up using the main spar and let the main wheels fall free for checking all landing gear play during your 100 hour inspections. (If Ken and Candy are reading this, make note that I did not do this on 93775) 2. UNIVAIR has now checked the bushing on hand (part #33206) to make certain it fits the knee pin (part #33209), but if you do have to replace these parts, ask them to fit the parts together before sending. So now the Wings over Walla Walla fly-in/airshow begins tomorrow - this where the city buys you gas, provides a motel room and food just for putting your plane on display during the Sunday airshow - and 2735H is still up on jacks awaiting parts. Hope some of you other Ercoupe drivers show up; Betty at (509) 525-2180 would certainly like to see some twin tailers there. Grounded Dan'l N2735H
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