Microlighters

Did a few circuits this morning an after the 5th touch and go I noticed a spring flapping in the wind. Anyway that put an end todays aerial antics. On inspection two springs had broke since the preflight inspection (she has been standing for a couple of months) this might be due to rust. I checked the springs and yesterday I wire brushed them as there was a surface coating of rust. So where can i get a new suite of springs for the exhaust? Will be in Cape Town and Pretoria before flying again so places in both areas applicable.

Try Aviation Engines in Edenvale

All my exhaust springs made up at a place in the fairest. Stainless steel, no more rust. I also tie stainless steel wire AROUND all the springs, thereby immobilizing them, and no more broken springs. 082 8041896

I also had stainless springs made and used them for about 3 years. only replaced 1 in that time, got a bag full. If you collect them from me in Florida you can have a set for free.

I put silicone on my springs to stop vibration and so far after about 6 hrs all are still in tact . Usually Iwould have to replace at least one of the springs after 5 or 6 hrs flying . I hope this works in the long run.

What is the downside to stainless? My understanding that it is far less tolerant to stress than the mild steel. Also gives very little warning as to when it will let go, whereas the mild ones will show you some warnings?

skybound ® wrote:... whereas the mild ones will show you some warnings?

Aikona my baas - she’s either an exhaust spring or not in about 0.001 of a second – hence the safety wires.

Regards
John ex-CIB

John Young wrote:Aikona my baas - she’s either an exhaust spring or not in about 0.001 of a second – hence the safety wires.

Propellor food.

Have had one or two that become 'flattened' on the attachment point over a period of time. With stainless perhaps the flattening will occur on the exhaust side of the attachment point which in the long run could be a bit more work than replacing a spring.

Just asking what the downside is to stainless. There is always a con somewhere.

The harder metal will always wear first. When I first put s/s springs on I was told that the normal springs anneal from the heat and then take on the shape that it is streched to hence holding the exhaust in the desired position - one opinion. S/S can handle more heat and will hold the tension for much longer - my opinion.

BOER wrote:The harder metal will always wear first.

I think you mean that the softer metal will allways wear first.

As for the springs breaking, just make sure your safety wires is good and strong, so that the broken spring don't become prop food.

Regards,

No I mean "The harder metal will wear first"
Speak to a "metalagist" if you dont beleive me. Even the original springs
are harder than the fixing point on the exhaust and the spring wears faster
than this fixing point. I rest my case.

Harder will wear first.

That is why you can sharpen a knife on a leather strop.

That is why a knife edge will dull very quickly if you cut paper, same for scissors.

Try asking your wife for her dess making scissors to cut a few paper gaskets in the garage, she will tell you in no uncertain terms to "Go Away"
(Mine always did)

Yet Tin snips will stay sharp for a long time while cutting sheet metal.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek

Excellent - I have learnt my one fact for the day Now that is what I like about a forum

I am referring to the metal wearing - the bit about the wife knowing more than me - nah