Tailwheel won't unlock...

[Captgrumps]

Mike

I think our think tank needs to work on a free swivel tail skid shoe that is independent of the rudder action that will track with the airplanes forward inerita. (Similar to what those nose wheel guys do that do not correct for crosswind) Probably would be banned from those government supported paved airports, but it would work great on our down home country landing strips and target ranges.. {:>)

Doug

[Ted Karver]

Mike,

I had tailwheel problems with a Maule tailwheel. The shimy was tremendous on some landings. Nothing on others, with no common denominator that I could discern. Went on the internet and found there are lots of problems, with lots of theories etc. Finally, heard about a tailwheel from Aviation Products in Ojai, California. Bought the tailwheel assembly for $249 and have not had 1 shimmy since I installed the assembly two years ago. If you are interested contact them at (805) 646-6042. Hope this helps.

Ted

[MikeB]

Ted,
I've heard that's a good tail wheel from others. The shimmy seems to be more of a problem with the pneumatic Maules rather than the hard rubber wheels. I like the pneumatic as I usually operate off grass and it seems to soak up the shocks better than the hard rubber. Right now it's ski time here so I don't need to worry about things until next spring. Also about 4 foot of snow in front of the hangar door .

Don't mean to 'hi-jack' Mike Kelly's thread, though.

MikeB

[Carl Prather]

Mike,

If three brand new tailwheels do not unlock, I'm thinking it's time to talk to Bill Pancake or Paul Agaliotis about your installation. If you don't like that Aviation Products tailwheel I suggested many moons ago, I'll buy it from you.

Carl Prather

[seaheli]

Mike,

This is a video of a tailwheel setup, the last minute is important about the unlocking of the swiveling cam and the tension of the springs.

If the springs are tight the tailwheel will not swivel!

Hope this helps.

Charles

http://www.youtube.com/user/Maule10Y

[CptKelly]

Charles/Carl and other helpers,
We are currently using the American Products tailwheel, and its a very high quality unit, especially considering its low cost. We have had two Maule's, a brand new Lang, and a brand new 3200 Bushwheels unit on Gail's Champ, and none would unlock. I have employed three IA's to look into the problem, and the problem still exists. My springs are tight, like they shouldn't be, so I'm going to add a link of chain to each side and see what happens to my problem. I'll report back when I add the links.

Thanks All.

Mike

[Paul Agaliotis]

Mike,
If you can't get the Aviation Products to unlock there are only two things that could be wrong. First, it isn't getting enough travel. The unlock mechanism is so simple in the tailwheel, but needs enough travel to unlock. Second, the grease used in the wheel should be a light weight grease. If too thick a grease is used it will cause the lock pin to hydraulic in it's slot. These are to only problems I've ever had with these wheels. I've used them for over 25 years, I can't speak any higher about this item.
Paul

[CptKelly]

Paul,
What would limit the tailwheel movement travel?

Mike

[colie85857]

the travel on the rudder. stop to stop, left and right should be 28 degrees each way, the API tailwheel unlocks about 20 to 25 degrees and all other tailwheels.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Mike,
The only thing that would cause that is an obstruction in the system or the stops at the rudder.
Sometimes the cables will distress at the last pulley as they leave the cabin. I have found a few problems there.
Paul