Thanks so much both Tim and Jonathan for the replies. I am glued to the computer
awaiting feedback :) . Tim: maybe I was not clear but the issue is with play
between the bronze (or brass) bushings and the torque tube. I do have the clamp
mod so the torsion between the two tailplanes is free of slop. Also have the
3/8 pins plus the mod 10672 (glass tube). The elongated pip-pin hole will be
implemented before finishing the plane.
Jonathan, your comment about the play makes me feel a little better. What is
hard
for an isolated builder like me is that I have no reference as to what is OK
or not. No play is probably unrealistic in a system like this that is impossible
to adjust or replace bushings easily. I also imagine that, as hard as Europa
may try, achieving tight tolerances on that machined and welded TP12 drive
plate tube is probably very difficult. and if they did make tolerances tight,
I am not sure you could assemble it as the manual tells you to do it and not
end up with binding in the system. I love my Europa, but I do tell my friends
this is like building a very precise blob of flexible epoxy/glass. You can only
be so precise! My opinion.
My bushings are indeed much better than 0.015". Was that at the bushing itself
or the tip of the stabilator? My 0.005" is at the bushing. I calculated the tip
would move about 0.020" with that play at the bushing but its hard to measure
at the tip since everything moves when you put some force to it.
Anyway, please keep the advise coming. I did ask Europa to see what they say.
Ultimately,
I would love to know what the tolerances for these components are when
they are manufactured. That way I could measure and decide to go or not go.
Everything in life must have tolerances and some amount of design factor to
account for wear.
Just a story regarding opinions: I had an older Mooney that had slop in the
elevator
trim system (the trim moves the entire tail in the Mooney, really, the whole
tail including the vertical fin). Some people would scream at me that the
play was unacceptable even though it meet the maintenance manual criteria. I
flew the plane like that for 13 years with no issue. The only thing that makes
it hard now is that the top is not bonded yet so it would be relatively easy
to replace the bushing. But if I don't have to I prefer to save myself
unnecessary
work. Heck, I don't even know if the new bushing would be any better because
I don't know the tolerances or limits.
Best Regards,
Chris
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=483482#483482
|