MT03 100 hr screw Replacment

[Rusty Russell]

Comments please: I have an MT03.. 156 hrs. Thought it time I read up on what was required at the next 100 hr service. I downloaded the 25/100 hr maintenance instructions, and was horrified to read that there is an instruction to "renew" the control rod screws at every 100 hrs! Am I reading it wrong? Its not the cost or inconvenience... I just cant get my head around the point that something can fail ( possibly) a,.. on a near new , modern design , reputable machine ..or b, the control rods are attached to the stick / mast, when there is an acceptable ammount of stickshake..wouldnt have thought enough to cause wear in that period of time.
Im hoping Ive misread something.. Id prefer that to finding out Ive bought a machine with a shocking design flaw.
Has anyone any experienced any issues with this?

[Vance]

Hello Rusty,

I would email the factory and get the definition of “renew” before I did anything else.

It may be a language challenge or colloquial speech misunderstanding.

A more common term for replace would be “replace”.

I will be interested in what you find out.

On The Predator I inspect the control rod screws before every flight and make sure the secondary form of retention is in place.

At each annual inspection I check the control system hardware for corrosion including inspecting the control rods internally for corrosion. I replace the cotter pins each time I remove the castellated nuts.

She has over 1,100 hours and 13 years on her and as far as I know she still has all but two of the original fasteners on the control system.

I have replaced several of the spherical rod ends.

I treat the control system as a flight critical system with what I feel is appropriate care and service.

Thank you, Vance

[Rusty Russell]

Thanks Vance.
Ill do that. and I also give the control system a very good preflight with the attention that critical components deserve.
I probably will "replace" all anyway... Something potentially wearing in such a short time worried me thats all
Appreciate your comment
Rusty

[Udi]

Originally Posted by Rusty Russell

"renew" the control rod screws at every 100 hrs

To me this looks like an inspection item or a re-torque item at most. I can't see a reason to replace screws which are much harder and stronger than the aluminum that they hold together.

Udi

[JAL]

Rusty I will check my Maintenance schedule for my Mt03 but I have done three 100 hourly's on mine and I do not remember having to replace the control rod bolts, or even saying that on the list.

What is important is that you have the marking paint on the nyloc and during your pre-flight check make sure that there has been no movement of the nyloc nut holding them in place. Also check the condition of the each spreader bar located on the mast to make sure it is freely moving and that the welded nut stop on the attachment side of the mast are ok.

On the 100 hourly I inspect them visually and test the torque and then make sure that the marker paint is clear. Mine have never loosened but if I did find one to have backed off a bit I would definitely replace the nyloc nut because the most likely cause is the nyloc insert has deterioted and is not applying enough pressure on the thread to stop the nut from turning. If you do remove the bolts for inspection never re-use the nyloc nut always replace it with a new one.

I am not sure how long the nyloc inset will last before it hardens and starts to crack (and stop being effective) maybe others might know, but I check mine for movement before every flight.

[Rusty Russell]

Yes... I basically do as you do. And I feel better about it now , but have a look at the link and see if Im confused please...
Thanks



http://www.auto-gyro.com/chameleon/o...hedule_MTO.pdf
See page 9 ...

Originally Posted by JAL

Rusty I will check my Maintenance schedule for my Mt03 but I have done three 100 hourly's on mine and I do not remember having to replace the control rod bolts, or even saying that on the list.

What is important is that you have the marking paint on the nyloc and during your pre-flight check make sure that there has been no movement of the nyloc nut holding them in place. Also check the condition of the each spreader bar located on the mast to make sure it is freely moving and that the welded nut stop on the attachment side of the mast are ok.

On the 100 hourly I inspect them visually and test the torque and then make sure that the marker paint is clear. Mine have never loosened but if I did find one to have backed off a bit I would definitely replace the nyloc nut because the most likely cause is the nyloc insert has deterioted and is not applying enough pressure on the thread to stop the nut from turning. If you do remove the bolts for inspection never re-use the nyloc nut always replace it with a new one.

I am not sure how long the nyloc inset will last before it hardens and starts to crack (and stop being effective) maybe others might know, but I check mine for movement before every flight.

[karlbamforth]

Best bet is to contact the factory, only they will know for sure.

At first I thought that they may have miss translated bolt to screw, but bolts are clearly mentioned later in the schedule so I am not sure what they are refering to.

Normally screws are not load bearing and have a threaded portion over their full length. Bolts have a plain portion at some point along their length but can look like a screw.

As I said the only way to be certain is to contact the factory.

[JAL]

yep there is no doubt that what is says.

I would talk with your local dealer. When I bought mine here in Oz we were given a maintenance schedule that is a bit different to this one. Our 100 hourly inspection is a lot more detailed than that and our 25 hourly is less detailed. We also have an annual inspection schedule, but it is almost exactly the same as the 100 hourly because there is only a couple of calendar based items (like fuel hoses for instance that deteriote over time rather than number of flying hours).

[Rusty Russell]

Thanks.
I have a query in with Autogro.. Ill post the reply when I get one!
R