Do you have access to a set of service bulletins on the Ercoupe as they detail all the changes in this area?
The only way to properly inspect this control column is to take it out. In my case as I was disassembling the coupe anyway I didn't mind doing this but I would not like doing it to an assembled Coupe. I think, and others can correct me here, you need to remove the flooring, disconnect the nose wheel steering rod and the elevator and Aileron push rods and two bolts that act as pivots for the control column. You also have to remove the two taper pins holding the control wheel shafts and pull the control wheels back or if your so inclined remove them altogether. I can't remember if the header tank needs to be removed. I don't think so. I think at that point the column will come out. Probably around 2 - 3 hours work. The Service bulletin applicable, (mine are at home so I can't refer to them) will then describe the method of inspection and what to look for. The cross tube to vertical tube attachment and weld must be inspected for cracks using the dye penetrant method also the sector stops must not be rubbing on the cables Apart from the dye inspection these tasks could be done by the owner and gives you a good chance to look around under there. In regard to the fuel tank cock most of the early Ercoupes do not seem to have the fuel cock go through to the instrument panel any more. They have the fuel cock under the instrument panel. Again I think there is a SB on it. The solution to you fuel cock problem should therefore be very simple. Just fit a inline one. Has your A/I had any previous experience with Coupes? I am sure an experienced one would find all this a breeze. At 15:26 17/11/99 , you wrote: >So this morning I walk into the hangar with my freshly polished (but used) >left wing tank and proudly hand it over to my A/I with and with an expectant >smile say "so do you think I can close her up this weekend"? "Not with the >other problems I've found" says he. "Now what" I say? Even though the log >book says that the control quadrant was replaced with a new version back in >the 50's, he says it has an old part number on the top. In addition the >header tank fuel valve still leaks and needs to be replaced, but they dont >make the Kohler units anymore. Skysport sells a non PMA replacement but to be >approved a new control handle mechanism must be machined so it will protrude >through the Instrument panel. How much of a job is it to inspect or replace >the top of the quadrant and cables? Have any of you seen what color they are? >Mine is a sort of metallic green, not zink chromate like all the rest of the >control column parts. I looked at the top with a mirror and the number does >not appear to be the "old" bad part number. Any suggestions on dealing with >this would be much appreciated. I'm tapped out and still don't have a flyable >plane. At this point I'm about ready to pay him off, pull the wings, and >trailer it to a storage facility. >Rob > Regards, Brian Garrett ************************************************************************** **** Manager-Projects & Systems Environmental Systems & Services Pty Ltd e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 405 Tooronga Rd Ph +61 3 9864 5300 Hawthorn East 3123 Fax +61 3 9822 8028 Australia ************************************************************************** ****
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