RV-14 Gas Spring Struts replacement.

frghtdg · #1 06-10-2021, 08:10 AM

Hello everyone,
My canopy doesn't remain up as firm as it did and I suspect one of the gas struts has become weak. I plan to replace both and I'm seeking inputs, advice, ideas from anyone who has been down this road before.
I plan to use Van's parts unless there's a better idea.
Thanks in advance,
Hank

bkervaski · #2 06-10-2021, 08:13 AM

It took me about 30 minutes to replace one of the struts .. it's really going to come down to if anything is in your way of getting to the bolts .. so every 14 is going to be different, not much useful advise, but it wasn't a painful project .. I remember being pleasantly surprised how easy it went

frghtdg · #3 06-10-2021, 08:47 AM

No, good advice, you were encouraging.
I'm thinking getting my old body under, then back out will be the worst of it.
Did you go with Van's struts?
H

bkervaski · #4 06-10-2021, 08:53 AM

Yep, just ordered from Vans. They are all probably made in the same factory in China.

A trick on getting comfortable that works for me .. take the seats out and put a pillow where the seat was, then lay with your back on the pillow and your feet (with shoes off) facing towards the sky. This puts your head and arms in the best position to do the work under the panel. Not perfect, but I've sat like that for hours working on wiring and was comfortable.

wjb · #5 06-10-2021, 08:54 AM

I had a strut fail on my -7, and decided to upgrade both struts from the 25 lbs (100 N) stock models with the 35 lbs (150 N) version, based on comments elsewhere here on VAF. The canopy stays up very nicely now; very secure.

Got mine at: https://www.siraweb.com

bkervaski · #6 06-10-2021, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wjb

I had a strut fail on my -7, and decided to upgrade both struts from the 25 lbs (100 N) stock models with the 35 lbs (150 N) version, based on comments elsewhere here on VAF. The canopy stays up very nicely now; very secure.

Got mine at: https://www.siraweb.com

I have no facts here but my first thought when I read this was that any increase in holding power will result in you having to twist the canopy to lower it. Not sure if it's a problem or even matters but just a thought. The 14's struts are in the middle of the front of the canopy, not on the sides like the 7. May be something to consider.

frghtdg · #7 06-10-2021, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkervaski

Yep, just ordered from Vans. They are all probably made in the same factory in China.

A trick on getting comfortable that works for me .. take the seats out and put a pillow where the seat was, then lay with your back on the pillow and your feet (with shoes off) facing towards the sky. This puts your head and arms in the best position to do the work under the panel. Not perfect, but I've sat like that for hours working on wiring and was comfortable.

Did you do it with the canopy secured open? I'm thinking the canopy needs to be removed via the quick disconnect.
How did you figure which one was weak?
H

bkervaski · #8 06-10-2021, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frghtdg

Did you do it with the canopy secured open? I'm thinking the canopy needs to be removed via the quick disconnect.
How did you figure which one was weak?
H

I think we removed the canopy, we're using a 3D printed hinge covers that are removable.

The stock hinge cover's spring will deform when removing and will need to be replaced, it will not survive the removal procedure. Even if you think it did, that spring is so sensitive, that you'll never get it to lay all the way down again.

So ... if you're using the stock hinge covers and already painted the airplane, you may want to do it with the canopy secured in the open position.

If you haven't done the hinge covers, I would take the canopy off.

frghtdg · #9 06-10-2021, 11:25 AM

thanks.....got the new struts ordered.
H

bradfp · #10 06-10-2021, 08:51 PM

I believe the new replacement struts for the 14 are slightly higher compression than the originals. It’s probably best to replace both at once so they are equal strength.
I’m 6’2” and 230 lbs. so it’s not easy getting under the panel of the 14A, but it’s a heck of a lot easier than getting under the panel on my old 6A. It helped me a lot to have my helper (wife) hand me tools and parts, so I didn’t have to get in and out from under the panel several times. I also changed them out one at a time and did not have to remove the canopy. But I did have my helper hold the canopy just in case it wanted to come down, and wiggle it to get the pins out and in.