I have just fitted the engine to my 360 for the first time.  Very exciting, except that, when I lowered the engine hoist, the nose strut went straight to the bottom of its travel.  The strut was serviced with the latest mods, so it should be serviceable.  I know that I am meant to charge it with dry nitrogen, but I don't have any and it is Christmas.  My questions are:

 

1.  Would I harm the strut if I charge it one time with air, then replace it with nitrogen later?

2.  Alternatively, will I harm it if I leave it bottomed out for a week?

3.  Where do you get nitrogen?  I am building in my garage so do not have the usual airfield facilities.  I do have a gas control unit with the right gauges and valves, which a friend gave me and which should be suitable, but no gas bottle, and nowhere obvious to go and get one.

 

Any advice appreciated.  Thanks.

 

Jerry Fisher