Those who've gone before me,

 

Once again, I rely on your wealth of ideas and I appreciate so much everyone's input all the time.

 

I solved my hydraulic problem.  No leaks on the up side or down side at all.  Gear retracts, doors slam shut and I'm happy so I'm ready to call the DAR,

 

UNTIL ...

 

I free fall my gear because I'm sure the DAR will want to see that.  Nose gear pops down in a second or less, just replaced that counter-strut, works great... BUT..  BOTH of my mains failed.  The doors all open fast and the mains both come down about 5 inches and then stop.  Takes very little force to pull them down by hand but might not be able to reach under there in flight, sooo...

 

I cut my springs shorter.  I have 2 long springs on each main AND the retrofit rat-spring so 3 springs per wheel.  I just replaced the rat-springs and NO change.  It almost seems that the springs don't really kick in until the gear is about 7 inches down.  Then they have no problem pulling down and locking the gear.

 

I suspect the problem is the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder.  Maybe there is still enough pressure JUST to not let the gear come all the way down.  Not quite sure.  If you release the pressure on the cylinder and pull it out by hand, it still isn't friction free.  It's not hard, but maybe my fluid is too full?

 

So, I am soliciting ideas on what to do.  I certainly don't want to pull my wings off to grease up my bearings on the attach plates for the main pivot.  I did grease them up pretty good but maybe they need more.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Where should I start?

 

Thanks again for the input...

 

Matt