Dominator Shock Woes

[PPG Doug]

Hey guys/gals.

I'm new to the Dominator, but I have a silly question. My Dominator's left air shock is not lifting when I apply the air compressor to it. It only lifts about 1 1/2" from bottomed out, compared to maybe 4" on the other side.

Am I overlooking something really simple?

Thanks!

[ToddP]

Push up on your mast while filling will help the shocks extend out. The shock will fill all the way up.

[Racer]

I used to use this kind of shock on my racecar and the way we would set them is jack up car to where the shock was fully extended, Fill with nitrogen to the desired pressure and that was it. Hope this helps

[PPG Doug]

Thanks guys. I did try to rock the entire gyro and essentially lift up to alleviate some of the weight, but maybe it just wasn't enough. This Dom. has a Subaru on it so it is heavy.

I'll try another way.

Thanks.

[mark treidel]

Doug, I have the same issue with my shocks & the heavier 912. I did as Todd suggested & pressureized them with nitrogen. They seem to hold up longer, especially in colder weather because nitrogen doesnt expand/contract like air does. The problem here is introducing enough pressure to the shock. I ended up using a high pressure canister that Bill Clem has for his unit. Without it, mine would not hold up. I tried several pressure units but none are strong enough...quite the dilema. I have been patiently waiting for someone here on the Forum to come up with a good 'spring over' alternative & a part number to order. Problem is they dont seem to have one. I think a good infinate adjustable shock with a spring is the answer. We just have to figure out what configuration to use & how much each spring should support depending on the aircraft weight. Most of the combinations I've seen are in the $300-$500 range. I would buy them if only I could find the right one. Perhaps someone could weigh in on this that already has the model on their machine and give us the specs & part numbers from where they were purchased....(please)...

[ToddP]

I'm there with you Mark. I've been hoping and looking for a long time wishing there was an alternative. I really don't like my leaky air shocks. I'm just a little reluctant to start ordering shocks only to find out they don't work.

[Racer]

I may be able to help you guys out. I had the same problem with the shocks leaking down and being inconsistent so I changed to a coil over racing shock that I love. They are an aluminum bodied racing shock that you can adjust a gazillion different ways. You can order any spring ratings you want as well as get any valving you can dream up, you can even get one rate of valving for shock extension and another rate of valving for shock compression.
If you are looking for cheap economy shocks these are not for you because these are all custom built, But I believe these have great potential for those willing to spend a few bucks.
Mark, If you are willing I will bring some of these up and let you test them out on your Dominator to see what you think, Then at least we will have a starting point and can figure out what would work best, Let me know

[ezeddie]

Doug,
I just pick it up by the teeder bolt, well, just take the weight off the wheels. B/4 I air up. This winter it seems to leek out easly..........

eddie.............

[mark treidel]

Thanks Todd, I believe the other guys here on the forum are looking for the same thing you spoke of in the above post. Would you be able to post the name of the company who custom makes your model of shock & springs so others can possibly order them too. A specific part number would be a great starting point with a pressure (poundage) limit also. I will be in touch...thanks again......

[GyroRon]

You guys either are doing something wrong or something. I don't have these problems with my Dominators and I have had three of them.

[Racer]

Gyroron, after time the seals wear out on those oil/air shocks and they start to bleed off ( Not all of them, only some ) sounds to me like these guys have some leaker's.

The shock brand name is Avco racing shocks, I looked for a web sight but could not find one, I assume they do not have one. I will take some pics today and post them so everybody can see what they look like. I order them through a local dealer here in town, In worst case scenario I could order them here and send them to you guys, but I will try to find a dealer list so you can order them directly.

I cannot post part #'s on the shocks I am talking about because the way you order them is
1. which shock body you want
2. what valving you want extending
3. what valving you want compressing

Then you order the spring perches and what rate of springs you want.

that is how you order the shock then it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to get it because it is built to your specs. Once we figure out the best combo I will make the info public knowledge for all who are interested.

Once we get the best valving setup for the shocks it should work for all the dominator's, You can order different spring rates for the different weight motors everybody is using.

[rfi]

I used spring/shocks from Azusa Engineering (azusaeng.com). They have 12 inch center to center and have 3 inches of travel at full compression. The 1700-236 and 1700-246 models are rated at 730 pounds at full compression.

I built a dozen gyros and modified a lot more with the Azusa spring/shocks. I even built a suspension system for the RAF 2000 with those shocks.

Azusa does not sell retail. You must buy from a dealer. Check their web site for the dealer nearest you. Cost is around $40 each.

[gyromike]

The shocks Todd is talking about are made by AFCO. They are a racing shock for Circle Track cars. If you've been to Bensen Days, you've seen them on Davey Seace's tandem Dominator.

Here is the web site, and Davey uses the aluminum small body threaded shock. The springs are listed on a seperate page.

[mark treidel]

Thanks Mike...I've flown in Daves machine you refer to above. His shocks are the tool adjustable type but he doesn't recall where he got his springs (perhaps from a motorcycle) he said. I will try to see if this company can be of help & let the 'hive' know.

[Racer]

Thank You Mike, Yes that is them, I should have walked out to the shop first before I started typing... My Bad!
We will do some testing with a spare set of small body shocks I have and figure out what will work out best. For those who do not want to wait feel free to call the company, They are very helpful and friendly.