Return-Path: Received: from oeint_laf1.laf.oceanenergy.com ([206.97.189.62]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Tue, 20 Jul 1999 09:10:50 -0400 Received: by OEINT_LAF1 with Internet Mail Service (5.5.2448.0) id <3844DBX3>; Tue, 20 Jul 1999 08:14:37 -0500 Message-ID: <186ED3F9DB0AD311A34B00A02462185817BF9C@OEINT_LAF1> From: "Westphal, D. (Dana)" To: "'lancair.list@olsusa.com'" Subject: RE: Elevator Counterbalance Date: Tue, 20 Jul 1999 08:14:30 -0500 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> A while back, a builder "posted" that his MKII elevators moved freely before tightening all of the attachment bolts, but noticed some slight stiffness or binding after tightening the bolts. As promised, I tightened mine over the weekend and also noticed the same thing - a slight increase in apparent friction. My guess is that the friction "regime" changes before and after tightening. In other words, it appears that the elevators may swing/pivot on the bolts prior to tightening, but pivot around/on the bearing surfaces (like their supposed to) after tightening. With the "tighter" bearing tolerances, and throwing in some carbon fiber dust for good measure, voila, more friction! My guess is that things may loosen up a bit after "break in". Now, of course, the million dollar question. Should one counterbalance before or after tightening the attachment bolts? Has anyone out there experienced the same thing with their elevators or other control surfaces? Currently, I am finishing the sizing/shaping of the access/inspection holes for the elevator bolts. Right now, they are sorta cute and aesthetically pleasing. But after about 50 attach/remove cycles, I have half a mind to get out my Dremel and really open these puppies up, maybe to also allow access with a torque wrench! But of course, I'm worried about compromising the structural integrity/stiffness of the elevator leading edge. Any opinions or suggestions out there? Mucho thanks. Dana Westphal (360 MKII) (still elevator anal) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html