My replacement pistons arrived - before I go and replace them, are there any tips/tricks/guidance? It seems pretty straightforward but as I’ve learned with aircraft that straightforward often isn’t.
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RV 12 Canopy Piston Replacement
- Thread starter jmiller007
- Start date
Did your old ones have metal ends or plastic ends? If metal, it’s pretty straightforward. If plastic, you’re going to need some new bushings as well.
I did mine a few months ago and there weren’t any major gotchas other than the bushing issue. Getting at the screw head and bolt on the canopy side is a bit tricky because it's right next to the avionics bay skin; I used a Philips bit held directly in a 1/4" box wrench to keep the screw still, and then another wrench to tighten down the Nyloc nut.
I did mine a few months ago and there weren’t any major gotchas other than the bushing issue. Getting at the screw head and bolt on the canopy side is a bit tricky because it's right next to the avionics bay skin; I used a Philips bit held directly in a 1/4" box wrench to keep the screw still, and then another wrench to tighten down the Nyloc nut.
Mine are definitely metal ends. I've got a nice right angle screwdriver from my field service days I'll use - similar to your bit and pliers method. Looking forward to not having floppy canopy syndrome.
Since your RV-12 is fairly new-to-you, it would be good to review KAI section 34-02 Rev. 4, dealing with the metal end C=1216-1 gas struts.
The ends have to be final drilled. You may already are aware, but in case not, this is to save you a little time and trouble getting your new struts installed.
The ends have to be final drilled. You may already are aware, but in case not, this is to save you a little time and trouble getting your new struts installed.
Well that's exciting. I'm assuming the directions indicate the correct hold diameter?
You use the existing hardware, just check it for wear and replace if necessary. The attach hardware are shown on KAI 34-03 Rev 4. You may have to replace the C-00002-1 gas strut bushing and bolt depending on how old your RV-12 is. There were revisions to the hardware.
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