----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
My trim cable broke two weeks ago during run up. I taxied back and checked in with my A&P. He gave me a stock roll of Bowden cable wire used for throttles and similar controls (I think it was standard .050 dia - but check - this is from memory) It took me about an hour to replace the cable and to have my A&P inspect it and sign it off. It was an easy job. 1) I took the off of the trim control in the cockpit and unscrewed the fitting securing the wire to the trim bellcrank. 2) I unscrewed the fitting at the tail trim bellcrank and removed the cable. (Aside - I removed the fittings and soaked them in solvent to clean up the gunk on them) 3) I pulled the old trim wire out the back of the airplane and marked on the new roll the approx length of the new cable with a magic marker (about 14 feet). 4) I used a new clean acid brush to lubricate the new wire with molybdenum grease for a foot or so and pushed it into the Bowden housing by hand from the rear of the airplane 5) I repeated 4) above until I got to the marked place on the trim wire 6) I cut the trim wire about 8 inches too long (I am paranoid) 7) I installed the fitting at the trim handle horn, tightened it onto the trim wire and made sure the trim control handle moved freely 8) I installed the rear trim wire fitting to the trim tab horn with the trim handle in the full rear position (full nose up trim - trim tab spring loaded against the stop). I lightly tightened the trim wire fitting just until it was friction tight so I could test the system, then tightened it fully. 9) I cut the trim wire about 1 inch from each fitting and bent the wire back so even if the fitting loosened the wire could not pull out. I then had my A&P inspect the job. He liked it (except he had me clean the excess grease off the exposed trim wire in the rear so it would not pick up grit). 10) I reinstalled the trim handle cover in the cockpit and went flying. The only problem I have is the new wire is so well lubricated the trim will not remain in position <g>. The old one was fairly stiff. My A&P did not charge me for the wire but I would suspect it was about $5 worth max (approx. 14 feet). David Abrams http://ercoupe.com -----Original Message----- From: R M Finch [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 2:17 PM To: 'Ercoupe Technical Discussion (moderated)' Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] Another Trim Cable question ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- I have a 1965 Alon Aircoupe, model A2. For this year's annual inspection we want to replace the elevator trim cable. What to use? I've reviewed previous emails on the list about trim cables, and am confused about the apparently two different types (Bowden and something else), different diameter wires, and so forth. Univair's 2003 printed catalog lists a "Trim Control Wire", P/N 52070-33, and an "Elevator Trim Cable", P/N 52268, and different "Trim Wire Conduit[s]" for different serial numbers, none matching the Alon S/N. Their online list additionally has an "ercoupe trim cable", P/N 52146, for only $8.17 (the other assemblies run $30-$40), so I wonder what that is. Oooh, online also has an "ercoupe trim-o-matic" P/N 52190; sounds magical, and only $11.45. Would it help me fly-o-matic? What to use? ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/
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