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Tailwheel springs
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 20:09
by MikeB
Got a question regarding the tension on tailwheel springs. How tight should the springs be? Mine has the compound (light and heavy) spring setup. It's a Maule, but tracks well, both on landing and taking off. We just finished the annual and dropped the links so there's tension all the time, but it also worked well with a somewhat loose setup. Guess I've seen all different types and combinations and there are probably as just as many opinions.......thought I'd ask, anyway.
Tailwheel Springs
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 20:28
by Bob Eilers
Mike,
I also have the Maule and the compression springs. I replaced the tension spring set-up with the compression springs because the rudder hinges were wearing. I don't have mine under tension. I have set them up with links so they are just slightly loose. Works fine, tracks well and handles quickly in cross winds. You don't want them to loose, just a little play; no constant tension on rudder post. It has grown HOT out here - we can expect 100 degree days more often than not for the next several months. The poor Champ spends most of the time between 190 and 200 degrees oil temp. I'm thinking about going to a Scott, as soon as I can afford it.
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 20:48
by Don Eide
Mike,
Your probably right. As many opinions as answers.
So far I have only used the tension type connector springs as shown on page 231 of Aircaft Spruce. Both springs are the same tension. I used them on a home built I built back in the 70's with a Maule SFSA solid tailwheel as shown on page 230, and on my 115hp Champ with a Scott 3200, and on an L-4 I just finished again with a Maule SFSA tailwheel. I took the slack out of the chain and went to the next link. No slop but very light tension. You want the tail wheel to move when you move the rudder.
So far I have never had any tail wheel problems. My tail wheel moves when I move the rudder. Hope this helps.
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 21:39
by MikeB
Bob/Don: Thanks for the quick replies.....about what I thought, I guess. Haven't thought too much about wearing the rudder post hinges, but as long as the tension is light, it shouldn't make much difference. I'll take another look at it tomorrow morning. Finally got the whole week off. If I knew retirement would be this time consuming, I would have continued to teach until I was 75. BTW, I'm with Bob, I'd put on a Scott if I could afford it
