I have a Lancair 320.  When I built the gear hydraulic system, I did not put hydraulic fluid in the system for about 6 years.  I now believe that was a mistake.  I did manually retract the gear many times.  I believed I cleaned out all the lines well with brushes, vacuum and compressed air when they were initially installed.

 

I since have had internal leaks in every cylinder.  I rebuilt all cylinders but here's my question:  After replacing a gear door cylinder a few days ago, I noticed the pump turned on for a second on the up and down sides about once every 5 minutes. 

 

I free fell the gear a few times and it dramatically improved the timing but did not entirely correct it. 

 

Now, when the gear is up, after 30 seconds, the pump turns on for a second and then that's it - no more pump.

 

Same on the down. 

 

I am wondering if it takes time for the air in the lines to self-bleed.  I am wondering if this is normal?

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Matt