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Stuck FlyBoy locking mechanism

T

TheNewGuy

Well Known Member
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recently the locking mechanism on my flyboy Tailwheel assembly has been getting stuck in the recessed position. Has anyone experienced this? Not sure if I’ll need to replace the assembly or not. Thanks
 

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Mine was sticky when new, until I deburred the pin and gently sanded the inside of the square it fits in... Have you completely disassembled, cleaned it out with brake cleaner or something to ensure there's not a bit of FOD in there causing it to stick?
 
This^^^
The pin requires regular cleaning and deburring.
I’ve switched over to a dry moly spray for lube. I shine the pin with scotchbrite every oil change.
Blake at FlyBoys sells just the pin and spring. I keep a spare set handy.
 
TheNewGuy said:
Cheers guys. I didn’t think I had the correct tools on hand but I was able to remove and deburr the pin. Looks to be working fine
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Super easy to remove the stuck pin.. you push on the back side though the coil spring with a pick, or paper clip..
 
Is this a standard tailwheel or an alternative? Looks very similar to the vans tailwheel and I’m wondering if I should buy a pin and spring as spares also!
 
Broken spring ?
Grid mixed with dirty grease?
I'd clean it up, check spring/pin action.
mg
 
TheNewGuy said:
recently the locking mechanism on my flyboy Tailwheel assembly has been getting stuck in the recessed position. Has anyone experienced this? Not sure if I’ll need to replace the assembly or not. Thanks
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I've never had one stick but I do take mine apart and clean and relube often. When its clean and fresh lube it should work like butter. Yes, always have a spare pin and spring on hand. I think the tail wheel lives in the harshest enviroment of any part of the airplane and its easy to overlook giving it the attention it deserves. After you get used to the routine you can take the tail wheel apart, clean, relube and put it back together in 20 minutes.
 
TheNewGuy said:
What’s the best way to lift the tail? My A&P grabbed the tail under the leading edge of the horizontal stab but I’m not sure how safe that that
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I would avoid lifting it that way. Lift by the stinger if possible. In the hanger I use a Harbor Freight lifting platform you pump up with your foot with a very heavy foam rubber pad under the fuselage bulkhead just in front of the horizontal stab.
 
clarenceoveur said:
I would avoid lifting it that way. Lift by the stinger if possible. In the hanger I use a Harbor Freight lifting platform you pump up with your foot with a very heavy foam rubber pad under the fuselage bulkhead just in front of the horizontal stab.
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I do the exact same thing. The HF lift has lots of good RV applications. Lifting the tail safely is one of the top. *Lift from below the bulkhead just below the fwd part of the stabilizer.* Heavy foam pad to distribute load.

Re the empennage, I really try hard to not pull, push or lift using it at all.

The tailwheel assembly needs fairly frequent attention. Clean, lube, debur the locking pin and it's engagement surfaces a couple of times per year.
 
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Thread drift.....

I don't claim to know more than anyone else on this forum, but I know one thing that I would NEVER do, and that is lift any RV or Rocket type aircraft by the LE of the horizontal stabilizer. Flame me all you want. I have the hard evidence on my shop wall.

Consider Van's service bulletins related to the forward HS spar cracking: https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sb-14-01-31/

Asymmetric loads... including lifting up on the HS... not a good idea. No matter how you do it, it's twisting something. Ugh.
 
vfrazier said:
Thread drift.....

I don't claim to know more than anyone else on this forum, but I know one thing that I would NEVER do, and that is lift any RV or Rocket type aircraft by the LE of the horizontal stabilizer. Flame me all you want. I have the hard evidence on my shop wall.

Consider Van's service bulletins related to the forward HS spar cracking: https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/sb-14-01-31/

Asymmetric loads... including lifting up on the HS... not a good idea. No matter how you do it, it's twisting something. Ugh.
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I’m with you 100%. I had a bit of heartburn seeing it happen
 
I am surprised at all that grease on the mechanism. I clean and regrease annually with SCH100 red Mobil 1 grease, lightly applied. Have not had one stick after this lube and the deburring in 300 hrs over several CI's. This is full synthetic grease and does not dry out and is also great for wheel bearings. The clay based "aerospace" greases are the worst for becoming dry and caking.
 
BillL said:
I am surprised at all that grease on the mechanism. I clean and regrease annually with SCH100 red Mobil 1 grease, lightly applied. Have not had one stick after this lube and the deburring in 300 hrs over several CI's. This is full synthetic grease and does not dry out and is also great for wheel bearings. The clay based "aerospace" greases are the worst for becoming dry and caking.
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It caught my attention too. I just purchased the plane so I’m trying to take care of the little things like that. I’ve got some red Mobil 1 in the tool bag I’ll apply when I’m back at the plane
 
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