Stabilator Cable Tension

[KEG]

I am confused, AGAIN! KAI section 38iS page 17 refers to control cables are to be tensioned to 35-46 lbs. It also includes a note referencing the thermal effect on cable tension and says the recommended 35-45 lbs setting is for 70 deg.F. I have looked at several charts (Like the one below. Disregard the red example lines, they are for a 3/32" cable)) that show a ⅛” cable would have to be tensioned at approx.0 degrees to achieve a recommended tension of 40 lbs. Do you have a chart or formula that makes sense for the layperson? Our local temps are varying from 80 to 90 degrees. I have sent this to Van's but have not had a response yet.

 

[seagull]

More important than the cable being affected by temperature is the aluminum fuselage changing size in relation to the cable.

 

[N8DAV8R]

Like Seagull says, thermal expansion for the fuse is a bigger factor than it is the cable.

Don't over think this. You have a wide range to work with. Previous versions of the KAI were less specific and gave more general direction to tighten to avoid slack and cable contact with the fuselage. If your ambient temp is 80-90, I would tension somewhere on the higher end of the range, allowing for sufficient tension to remain when things are cooler and the fuselage "shrinks".

 

[12vaitor]

I came up with a temp adjustment chart years ago that I added to my RV12 Maintenance Manual.