<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
         <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
         <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I had two of these same wire grips installed in my 360.  One was on the carb
heat and broke before my first 25 hours were flown off.  The wire failed at the
inlet to the grip.  I have a second unit on my cabin heat control and it has 420
hours on it now.  I'm not sure why one broke the wire and the second one didn't
but given the number of failures I have heard of in the past(not just on
Lancairs), I wouldn't use these units for critical engine controls without
understanding why some fail the wire.  My guess is that the wire is  pinched
tightly right at the inlet to the grip and a natural frequency of the
installation is being excited leading to a rapid fatigue failure.  Change the
location or the stiffness of the installation and you may never see a problem.

Chris Zavatson
L360 std
N91CZ

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.