---------------------------------------------------------- Zenith-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 10/10/04: 17 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:14 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Dirk Slabbert) 2. 04:38 AM - Re: Taxi-Tests 601 HDS Stratus Subaru (Andrew SanClemente) 3. 06:50 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (LRM) 4. 07:42 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (cgalley) 5. 08:03 AM - Aileron spades for 601? (Dr. Andrew Elliott) 6. 10:00 AM - Re:Exhaust fumes in cabin (Grant Corriveau) (Jim Frisby) 7. 10:04 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Mike and Kerin Gleason) 8. 11:04 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Mike Sinclair) 9. 11:46 AM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Jimmy Parker) 10. 12:56 PM - Re: Exhaust fumes in cabin (Bryan Martin) 11. 01:08 PM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (cgalley) 12. 01:16 PM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Bryan Martin) 13. 01:35 PM - Re: Exhaust fumes in cabin (cgalley) 14. 06:30 PM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (LRM) 15. 07:39 PM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Mike and Kerin Gleason) 16. 07:55 PM - Re: Taxi-Tests 601 HDS Stratus Subaru (Tim & Diane Shankland) 17. 11:35 PM - Re: Matco axle assembly malfunction! (Dirk Slabbert) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:14:16 AM PST US From: "Dirk Slabbert" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dirk Slabbert" Mike, Just checked mine, it has the axle through the baseplate with another ring welded on the inside. It's welded on both inside and outside, is this the same one that failed on your plane? Thanks for sharing your info, it will definitely keep another pilot out of harm's way. Dirk 5228 701 (wings & tail done) ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Sinclair To: zenith-list@matronics.com ; zenith Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 5:03 AM Subject: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair Just a note for you all that may have the wheel and axle assembly that bolts on to the main spring. I believe it is from Matco as supplied by Zenith. I made a landing this evening, a little harder than I would have liked, but nothing that I feel was excessive, on a semi rough grass strip. The left axle snapped at the weld. On close examination of the weld it appears to be a very substandard weld, with very little penetration, and really very little strength. Also appears that it may been partially cracked already due to the color and oxidation of the metal in a few areas of the break. I intend to look at this a whole lot closer. End result for me, left spring dug into the ground and it all went south from there. Fuselage bent, landing gear structure ripped somewhat loose from left side, cowl destroyed, radiator smashed and oil cooler ripped off, exhaust system bent, prop destroyed, right wing completely mangled, firewall bent, and I don't know what all else. Will have to get it home and start pulling it apart to see what else got bent. It took awhile to locate the left wheel, turned out it bounced off the top of the cowl (tire marks gave that away) and finally came to a stop about 100 yards from the plane (on the right side at the 2 o'clock from flight path). I have to wait until the NTSB can come out to look at it in the morning before I can start to dissasemble and move it home. For me there where no injuries whatsoever, but I'm just glad I wasn't carrying a passenger. The reinforced seat belt and sholder harness attach points did their job very well. The impact was strong enough that it removed the headset from my head, And I found my glasses ahead of the rudder pedals near the firewall. Five years to build, 70 hours of flight, then trash. This really sucks! And it appears that a bad weld may have got me. Mike Sinclair N701TD (Let them damn property tax guys appraise this!) ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:38:32 AM PST US From: Andrew SanClemente Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Taxi-Tests 601 HDS Stratus Subaru --> Zenith-List message posted by: Andrew SanClemente Bill, I will give that a try, Im a size 12 and the day of my tests I didn't have the best shoes on (too big). I was trying to use my heels and keep my toes back with some success (gets tiring after a few tests). I may purchase some of the "booties" used in car racing to allow protection from fire but good feel. I also hope that with the bolt issue solved, I won't be required to do as much "dancing" on the pedals as I had to during the tests with that left wheel getting pulled over. Thanks! Andy DO NOT ARCHIVE On Sat, 9 Oct 2004 20:01:58 -0400, Bill Morelli wrote: >--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Bill Morelli" > > >Andrew, > >With regard to the rudder pedals. > >They do stink if you comapre them to say the pedals on an Cessna. > >What I found works for me (with size 11 feet) is that during >takeoff roll and when landing, I place my feet on the pedals with >the inside of my feet almost touchig. This keeps you away from the >brakes. I have been flying like that for 375 hours. Once you get the >feel for having your feet close together like that, it almost seems >natural. > >Regards, >Bill (N812BM - 601HDS - Tri - Stratus (RAM Heads) - Vermont - >375.6 flight hrs. - 502 landings >web site -> http://homepages.together.net/~billvt/ > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:50:59 AM PST US From: "LRM" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "LRM" Since I have a Matco setup on my 701, here's a spur of the minute idea I am going to take a hard look at. Drill thru the lenght of the axle with a bit the same size of the ID of the axle all the way thru the backing plate. Counter sink the hole where it comes out of the backing plate. Insert a steel Rod with an OD equal to the ID of the axle in the hole. First grind off the edges of the end of the rod that will be at the backing place end. You will have a good "V" where the end of the rod and backing plate meet. Run a weld around the Rod on the backing plate and grind it smooth. I think it is simple and effective. Some thoughts please, I just thinking out loud. Larry N1345L ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Sinclair" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > Wouldn't happen to have been Bartlesville would it? Yep I've got the tail > dragger. I got a feeling that even at touchdown with the trike, when the main > spring digs in the damage could be pretty severe on a grass strip when it > makes that sharp turn. Kinda beside the point though. The main thing here > appears to be a poorly designed and fabricated piece of hardware. The FAA has > my wheel and axle and they are going to have their metalurgical people take a > look at it. A friend of mine that helped to retrieve the plane is also > building a 701 and has the Matco system. He took a look at his (still in the > bubble wrap) and on the wheel assembly he brought over there were 3 areas that > looked like the weld was contaminated. One was pretty major and about a half > inch long. Bottom line, if you have an axle from Matco, you probably should > look it over pretty carefully. For me I need to order parts for a complete > right wing, slats and flaperons, some pretty major repair on the fuselage at > the left gear attach point, and the right rear wing attach point (plus a few > other localized repairs), probably pull the engine and have it gone through, > new blades for the prop, partial exhaust, radiator and oil cooler, probably > will go with a redesigned main gear spring, lay-up a new cowl, and New Axle > Assemblies! Sure screws up the idea of going to a fly-in tomorrow and the > choice of two for next weekend. I would be more depressed if I wasn't so > pissed off. > > Jimmy Parker wrote: > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker > > > > Mike, > > Sorry to hear about your mishap. > > I was looking forward to meeting you. > > Some GA guys met you at a fly-in and loved your plane. > > They make mention to me because they found out I was building a 701. > > Question: > > You have a "tail dragger" right? > > Do you think the damage would have been as great on > > the original tricycle gear? > > Jim > > 5098 701 > > Do not archive > > > > --- ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 07:42:36 AM PST US From: "cgalley" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "cgalley" The bending strength is not is the center of the axle. You can bore out the center of the axle so that only half of the material remains but 90% of the strength is still there if I remember correctly from engineering school 50 years ago. ----- Original Message ----- From: "LRM" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "LRM" > > Since I have a Matco setup on my 701, here's a spur of the minute idea I am > going to take a hard look at. Drill thru the lenght of the axle with a bit > the same size of the ID of the axle all the way thru the backing plate. > Counter sink the hole where it comes out of the backing plate. Insert a > steel Rod with an OD equal to the ID of the axle in the hole. First grind > off the edges of the end of the rod that will be at the backing place end. > You will have a good "V" where the end of the rod and backing plate meet. > Run a weld around the Rod on the backing plate and grind it smooth. I think > it is simple and effective. Some thoughts please, I just thinking out loud. > Larry N1345L > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mike Sinclair" > To: > Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > > > Wouldn't happen to have been Bartlesville would it? Yep I've got the tail > > dragger. I got a feeling that even at touchdown with the trike, when the > main > > spring digs in the damage could be pretty severe on a grass strip when it > > makes that sharp turn. Kinda beside the point though. The main thing here > > appears to be a poorly designed and fabricated piece of hardware. The FAA > has > > my wheel and axle and they are going to have their metalurgical people > take a > > look at it. A friend of mine that helped to retrieve the plane is also > > building a 701 and has the Matco system. He took a look at his (still in > the > > bubble wrap) and on the wheel assembly he brought over there were 3 areas > that > > looked like the weld was contaminated. One was pretty major and about a > half > > inch long. Bottom line, if you have an axle from Matco, you probably > should > > look it over pretty carefully. For me I need to order parts for a complete > > right wing, slats and flaperons, some pretty major repair on the fuselage > at > > the left gear attach point, and the right rear wing attach point (plus a > few > > other localized repairs), probably pull the engine and have it gone > through, > > new blades for the prop, partial exhaust, radiator and oil cooler, > probably > > will go with a redesigned main gear spring, lay-up a new cowl, and New > Axle > > Assemblies! Sure screws up the idea of going to a fly-in tomorrow and the > > choice of two for next weekend. I would be more depressed if I wasn't so > > pissed off. > > > > Jimmy Parker wrote: > > > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker > > > > > > Mike, > > > Sorry to hear about your mishap. > > > I was looking forward to meeting you. > > > Some GA guys met you at a fly-in and loved your plane. > > > They make mention to me because they found out I was building a 701. > > > Question: > > > You have a "tail dragger" right? > > > Do you think the damage would have been as great on > > > the original tricycle gear? > > > Jim > > > 5098 701 > > > Do not archive > > > > > > > > > > --- > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 08:03:20 AM PST US From: "Dr. Andrew Elliott" Subject: Zenith-List: Aileron spades for 601? --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dr. Andrew Elliott" Gang: I finally got a ride in the company demonstrator 601XL this week at the Copperstate Fly-In. Met all my expectations except for the heaviness of the ailerons. (I'm planning a taildragger, so the rudder break-out forces didn't concern me so much.) I would like to hear some comments on how much changing to the pinned-hinge design lightens the aileron feel. I would also like to know if anyone has experimented with aileron spades for the same purpose. These would help balance the load both mechanically and aerodynamically. I'm thinking I could adjust the spade size, mass and location pretty easily to tune in the desired feel. Thanks, Andy Elliott Lycoming owner, Corvair 601XL wannabe! ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 10:00:31 AM PST US From: "Jim Frisby" Subject: Zenith-List: RE:Exhaust fumes in cabin (Grant Corriveau) --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" Frank, Just a thought, how are you measuring or determining the level of CO in the cabin. I had what I though was a similar problem in my CH801. I was using the "brown spot" CO detector that sticks on the dash. I was getting a graying display on it after about 30 minutes of flying. I checked the exhaust, firewall, etc. but didn't find anything. Then I noticed that the CO indicator was out of date. I opened up a new one Jim Frisby >>Time: 05:12:40 PM PST US >>From: "Frank Jones" >>Subject: Zenith-List: Exhaust fumes in cabin >> >>--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" >> >>I'm experiencing some exhaust fumes in my 601 cabin and am having >>trouble pinning down the source. I get a reading mostly while on the >>ground and while climbing. This is without cabin heat on. I can only >>..... Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/ ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 10:04:15 AM PST US From: "Mike and Kerin Gleason" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Mike and Kerin Gleason" Mike What is the OD of your axle? Larry indicated he had 5/8" OD, which seems a bit on the light side to me. I checked mine and they're 3/4" OD. Good luck with the rebuild. Mike G 701 - N299KM ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Sinclair" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > Wouldn't happen to have been Bartlesville would it? Yep I've got the tail > dragger. I got a feeling that even at touchdown with the trike, when the main > spring digs in the damage could be pretty severe on a grass strip when it > makes that sharp turn. Kinda beside the point though. The main thing here > appears to be a poorly designed and fabricated piece of hardware. The FAA has > my wheel and axle and they are going to have their metalurgical people take a > look at it. A friend of mine that helped to retrieve the plane is also > building a 701 and has the Matco system. He took a look at his (still in the > bubble wrap) and on the wheel assembly he brought over there were 3 areas that > looked like the weld was contaminated. One was pretty major and about a half > inch long. Bottom line, if you have an axle from Matco, you probably should > look it over pretty carefully. For me I need to order parts for a complete > right wing, slats and flaperons, some pretty major repair on the fuselage at > the left gear attach point, and the right rear wing attach point (plus a few > other localized repairs), probably pull the engine and have it gone through, > new blades for the prop, partial exhaust, radiator and oil cooler, probably > will go with a redesigned main gear spring, lay-up a new cowl, and New Axle > Assemblies! Sure screws up the idea of going to a fly-in tomorrow and the > choice of two for next weekend. I would be more depressed if I wasn't so > pissed off. > > Jimmy Parker wrote: > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker > > > > Mike, > > Sorry to hear about your mishap. > > I was looking forward to meeting you. > > Some GA guys met you at a fly-in and loved your plane. > > They make mention to me because they found out I was building a 701. > > Question: > > You have a "tail dragger" right? > > Do you think the damage would have been as great on > > the original tricycle gear? > > Jim > > 5098 701 > > Do not archive > > > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 11:04:59 AM PST US From: Mike Sinclair Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair Gonna reply to both Dick and Mike G's Questions on this one: Mine is a 5/8" axle that is stuck through the base plate, welded inside and out. But does not have the ring. My neighbors axle assembly (the one with the weld contamination) does have the ring. I picked up this assembly at Zenith when I picked up my kit June of 1999. Kinda got me suspecting that mine wasn't the first failure of one of these axles with this configuration. Maybe the FAA can find some history during their investigation. Would have been nice to have known that I had a substandard piece of crap on my airplane that might cause serious damage and possible injury. I'm in the middle of filling out a 6 page form for the NTSB right now, maybe they can shed some light for me. Then maybe I can start opening up the damaged areas of the fuselage to see how much I have to do. Not a happy camper right now. ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 11:46:24 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! From: Jimmy Parker --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker Mike, The GA pilot's met you at Cottonwood Falls Airport. They came to our Fly-In in Harrisonville, Mo. They were highly impressed with our machine. I hope you get it back in the air soon. Let us know what happens with the axle. I have Matco brakes. I'll be looking at them for sure. Jim Parker Kansas City, Kansas 5098 701 Do not archive ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 12:56:49 PM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Exhaust fumes in cabin From: Bryan Martin --> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin on 10/9/04 3:50 PM, Frank Jones at fjones@sympatico.ca wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > Thanks Larry, and others. > > I was thinking of wrapping the joints with aluminum tape. Any other > suggestions for wrapping material? > > Frank The exhaust gasses from your engine are well above the melting point of aluminum so aluminum tape may not work very well. Maybe stainless steel tape if you can find it. Exhaust wrap material is available from auto parts dealers for this purpose. -- Bryan Martin N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru. In Phase I testing. do not archive. ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 01:08:55 PM PST US From: "cgalley" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "cgalley" Axles breaking or cracking is not unusual. If you had a 170, I have a friend that ALWAYS does a dye check on 170 hollow axles. Found quite a few. Replaces them with Ski axles that are not hollow. Seems to fix the problem. Remember though, Cessna axles are an inch and a half but they are machined out of aluminum and bolted on. We had a Emarude that broke off a steel flanged axle at Oshkosh. Seems he didn't trust his own welding and had someone tig it but didn't get very good penetration. My welding expert gas welded it and he didn't have any more problems. Even then the Emarude owner changed from a bolted on flange type to a full tube welded across the bottom of the strut. The bolt on is easier to align but a good welder can heat and change the alignment just as well. If I had a welded flange on my axle, I would most certainly dye check it for cracks. I routinely dye-check my welded certified landing gear parts. Cy Galley - Chair, AirVenture Emergency Aircraft Repair A Service Project of Chapter 75 EAA Safety Programs Editor - TC EAA Sport Pilot ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jimmy Parker" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker > > Mike, > The GA pilot's met you at Cottonwood Falls Airport. > They came to our Fly-In in Harrisonville, Mo. > They were highly impressed with our machine. > I hope you get it back in the air soon. > > Let us know what happens with the axle. > I have Matco brakes. > I'll be looking at them for sure. > Jim Parker > Kansas City, Kansas > 5098 701 > > Do not archive > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 01:16:13 PM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! From: Bryan Martin --> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin on 10/8/04 11:03 PM, Mike Sinclair at mike.sinclair@att.net wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > Just a note for you all that may have the wheel and axle assembly that bolts > on to the main spring. I believe it is from Matco as supplied by Zenith. I > made > a landing this evening, a little harder than I would have liked, but nothing > that I feel was excessive, on a semi rough grass strip. The left axle snapped > at the weld. On close examination of the weld it appears to be a very > substandard weld, with very little penetration, and really very little > strength. Also appears that it may been partially cracked already due to the > color and oxidation of the metal in a few areas of the break. > > Mike Sinclair > N701TD (Let them damn property tax guys appraise this!) Sorry to hear about your accident, I can only imagine how you feel to see all your handy work all smashed up like that. My 601 XL shipped with Grove wheels and axles. These axles are machined out of solid aluminum and the wheels mount on tapered roller bearings. I have a Matco nosewheel and the quality does not compare favorably with the Grove mains. I think the Grove wheels are more expensive but maybe you get what you pay for in this case. I hope you can salvage your plane and get it flying again. -- Bryan Martin N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru. In Phase I testing. do not archive. ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 01:35:50 PM PST US From: "cgalley" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Exhaust fumes in cabin --> Zenith-List message posted by: "cgalley" I would look into getting the firewall sealed and pressurizing the cockpit if possible. The other thing is to make sure the exhaust is sticking far enough into the slip stream that it is dissipated before it causes problems. Dumping the exhaust far enough back by extending the pipes so that it can't return to the airplane is another possibility. You and your passenger's lives are at stake. Cy Galley - Chair, AirVenture Emergency Aircraft Repair A Service Project of Chapter 75 EAA Safety Programs Editor - TC EAA Sport Pilot ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bryan Martin" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Exhaust fumes in cabin > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin > > on 10/9/04 3:50 PM, Frank Jones at fjones@sympatico.ca wrote: > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > > > Thanks Larry, and others. > > > > I was thinking of wrapping the joints with aluminum tape. Any other > > suggestions for wrapping material? > > > > Frank > > The exhaust gasses from your engine are well above the melting point of > aluminum so aluminum tape may not work very well. Maybe stainless steel tape > if you can find it. Exhaust wrap material is available from auto parts > dealers for this purpose. > > > -- > Bryan Martin > N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru. > In Phase I testing. > do not archive. > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 06:30:05 PM PST US From: "LRM" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "LRM" I know for a fact mine are 5/8". I had aluminum inserts machined to go in the outer end in order to mount wheel pants. This is scary that Zenith would take a short cut that could cause death or injury not to mention loss of investment. The more I think about it the more I am determined to fix mine. I believe I will do as I mentioned earlier. Which was if some of you didn't read my previous post, was to drill out the backing plate and weld in a sold steel rod. I am considering making the internal rod long enough to go thru (I like spelling it that way) the landing gear and thread the end to put a nut on. It's either that or buy new axles, wheels and brakes. If any one has any thoughts, please feel free to tell me. I do know I'm not going to fly it with stock 5/8" axles. I didn't like it when Roger told me and I sure don't like it now. Larry N1345L ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Sinclair" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > Gonna reply to both Dick and Mike G's Questions on this one: Mine is a 5/8" axle that is stuck > through the base plate, welded inside and out. But does not have the ring. My neighbors axle > assembly (the one with the weld contamination) does have the ring. I picked up this assembly at > Zenith when I picked up my kit June of 1999. Kinda got me suspecting that mine wasn't the first > failure of one of these axles with this configuration. Maybe the FAA can find some history during > their investigation. Would have been nice to have known that I had a substandard piece of crap on my > airplane that might cause serious damage and possible injury. I'm in the middle of filling out a 6 > page form for the NTSB right now, maybe they can shed some light for me. Then maybe I can start > opening up the damaged areas of the fuselage to see how much I have to do. Not a happy camper right > now. > > --- ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 07:39:33 PM PST US From: "Mike and Kerin Gleason" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Mike and Kerin Gleason" ----- Original Message ----- From: "LRM" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! Larry I don't which 701 model you're building, but in my drawings for the 701SP they secify the 3/4" axle (WH2AXLE7 ) with wheel MH6BD.75 . I was on the Matco web awhile ago and it appeared to me all you would need to do is replace the axle and the bearings. It looked like the OD of the 5/8"and 3/4" bearings were the same with no difference in the hub. I'd check it out with Matco, a lot less expensive than replacing everything. Mike G N299KM > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "LRM" > > I know for a fact mine are 5/8". I had aluminum inserts machined to go in > the outer end in order to mount wheel pants. > This is scary that Zenith would take a short cut that could cause death or > injury not to mention loss of investment. The more I think about it the > more I am determined to fix mine. > I believe I will do as I mentioned earlier. Which was if some of you didn't > read my previous post, was to drill out the backing plate and weld in a sold > steel rod. I am considering making the internal rod long enough to go thru > (I like spelling it that way) the landing gear and thread the end to put a > nut on. > It's either that or buy new axles, wheels and brakes. > If any one has any thoughts, please feel free to tell me. > I do know I'm not going to fly it with stock 5/8" axles. I didn't like it > when Roger told me and I sure don't like it now. > Larry N1345L > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mike Sinclair" > To: > Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 07:55:39 PM PST US From: Tim & Diane Shankland Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Taxi-Tests 601 HDS Stratus Subaru --> Zenith-List message posted by: Tim & Diane Shankland During a familiarization flight at Flypass a couple of years ago I was told the same thing about sliding my feet back and just have my toes on the pedal. What I did was lengthen my pedals by 1 1/2 inch so that the ball of my foot is on the hinge point. The next year at the builder dinner at Oshkosh I saw Chris Heintz, I put my foot next to his and told him that was the problem. He was a little confused by my remark until I told him that his size 8 or 9? used a lot smaller pedal than my size 12's. Tim Shankland Andrew SanClemente wrote: >--> Zenith-List message posted by: Andrew SanClemente > >Bill, > I will give that a try, Im a size 12 and the day of my tests I >didn't have the best shoes on (too big). I was trying to use my heels >and keep my toes back with some success (gets tiring after a few >tests). I may purchase some of the "booties" used in car racing to >allow protection from fire but good feel. I also hope that with the >bolt issue solved, I won't be required to do as much "dancing" on the >pedals as I had to during the tests with that left wheel getting >pulled over. > Thanks! > Andy > >DO NOT ARCHIVE > > >On Sat, 9 Oct 2004 20:01:58 -0400, Bill Morelli wrote: > > >>--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Bill Morelli" >> >> >>Andrew, >> >>With regard to the rudder pedals. >> >>They do stink if you comapre them to say the pedals on an Cessna. >> >>What I found works for me (with size 11 feet) is that during >>takeoff roll and when landing, I place my feet on the pedals with >>the inside of my feet almost touchig. This keeps you away from the >>brakes. I have been flying like that for 375 hours. Once you get the >>feel for having your feet close together like that, it almost seems >>natural. >> >>Regards, >>Bill (N812BM - 601HDS - Tri - Stratus (RAM Heads) - Vermont - >>375.6 flight hrs. - 502 landings >>web site -> http://homepages.together.net/~billvt/ >> >> >> > > > > ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 11:35:59 PM PST US From: "Dirk Slabbert" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dirk Slabbert" Larry, I tend to agree with you, just had a hard look at my axles, 22 mm outside and 12.5 mm inside all the way through. Perhaps put a solid rod in, drill a hole for the split pin, and corresponding 12.5 hole in the leg,weld a 3mm washer on the other end of the rod, the pin will hold the rod in place, no need for welding. Just as a backup safety precaution, if the axle tubing cracks, the rod will still hold the axle together. Second thoughts I will certainly do this ! Thanks again to Mike for telling us. Dirk. 701 SP 5228 (Tail and wings done.) ----- Original Message ----- From: LRM To: zenith-list@matronics.com Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2004 3:47 PM Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! --> Zenith-List message posted by: "LRM" Since I have a Matco setup on my 701, here's a spur of the minute idea I am going to take a hard look at. Drill thru the lenght of the axle with a bit the same size of the ID of the axle all the way thru the backing plate. Counter sink the hole where it comes out of the backing plate. Insert a steel Rod with an OD equal to the ID of the axle in the hole. First grind off the edges of the end of the rod that will be at the backing place end. You will have a good "V" where the end of the rod and backing plate meet. Run a weld around the Rod on the backing plate and grind it smooth. I think it is simple and effective. Some thoughts please, I just thinking out loud. Larry N1345L ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Sinclair" To: Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Matco axle assembly malfunction! > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Sinclair > > Wouldn't happen to have been Bartlesville would it? Yep I've got the tail > dragger. I got a feeling that even at touchdown with the trike, when the main > spring digs in the damage could be pretty severe on a grass strip when it > makes that sharp turn. Kinda beside the point though. The main thing here > appears to be a poorly designed and fabricated piece of hardware. The FAA has > my wheel and axle and they are going to have their metalurgical people take a > look at it. A friend of mine that helped to retrieve the plane is also > building a 701 and has the Matco system. He took a look at his (still in the > bubble wrap) and on the wheel assembly he brought over there were 3 areas that > looked like the weld was contaminated. One was pretty major and about a half > inch long. Bottom line, if you have an axle from Matco, you probably should > look it over pretty carefully. For me I need to order parts for a complete > right wing, slats and flaperons, some pretty major repair on the fuselage at > the left gear attach point, and the right rear wing attach point (plus a few > other localized repairs), probably pull the engine and have it gone through, > new blades for the prop, partial exhaust, radiator and oil cooler, probably > will go with a redesigned main gear spring, lay-up a new cowl, and New Axle > Assemblies! Sure screws up the idea of going to a fly-in tomorrow and the > choice of two for next weekend. I would be more depressed if I wasn't so > pissed off. > > Jimmy Parker wrote: > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Jimmy Parker > > > > Mike, > > Sorry to hear about your mishap. > > I was looking forward to meeting you. > > Some GA guys met you at a fly-in and loved your plane. > > They make mention to me because they found out I was building a 701. > > Question: > > You have a "tail dragger" right? > > Do you think the damage would have been as great on > > the original tricycle gear? > > Jim > > 5098 701 > > Do not archive > > > > ---