Running retraction tests on my 360, the nose gear door partially closed early, blocking the nose gear retraction.  Since the book described it being held open by the coil spring, I didn’t understand.  Then I found that my previous builder had installed low side pressure onto the door cylinder upper end.  My book shows that port open to atmosphere, but page 14-9 REV. 0/11-1-91 shows an alternate method, taking a low pressure hose to the opening side of the door cylinder.

It seems that when the retract cycle begins the reduction in pressure causes the door to partially close against the spring pressure.  My question is:  Why is hydraulic pressure needed to open the door?  When the high side pressure is relaxed, the spring should open the door, and the wheel will push it open anyway.  Do I need a stronger spring, or should I just disconnect the low side from the cylinder?

Berni, I wrapped my door handle in plastic tape and glopped on micro all around, then sanded it down to fair in the handle.  Pretty simple, but will take a little time to make it look good.

Weight and balance done yesterday.  Plane weighs 1140.  With 170 lb pilot, and no gas or baggage it is at extreme forward cg envelope (battery is on the firewall).  What is the moment of the pilot/passenger in a 360 (from aft side of firewall)?

Ed Gray Dallas 360 FB Superior IO 360