REFLECTOR: XL FG Hi Temps/ Siezed Aileron Cable

[Mark Magee]

Understood.

Mark B. Magee
Sent from IPhone 

On Nov 9, 2011, at 2:43 PM, "Scott Baker" <scottb33333 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Mark,
> I agree with others in their comments and recommendations regarding high engine temperatures.
> Of greater importance is the issue you describe relating to melted aileron cables.
> Not all aileron cables are alike.  For years Velocity provided cables which later were found to their jackets melt when exposed to high heat, such as near an exhaust manifold or engine fire.
> Velocity researched and found a Teleflex type cable with a significantly higher temperature rating - and has been providing this type cable now for many years.
> Additionally, it is recommended that the aileron cables (inside the engine compartment) be protected with firesleeve.
> Shielding of the exhaust manifold is recommended where the aileron cables come in close proximity to the exhaust stack.
> This is a 'no fooling, gotta take care of this now' situation.
> Scott B.
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Magee" <edjonesbrady at gmail.com>
> To: <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2011 11:28 AM
> Subject: REFLECTOR: XL FG Hi Temps/ Siezed Aileron Cable
> 
> 
>> All,
>> N34XL has some overtemp issues I have been addressing for about 9 months. With previous mods I had been running acceptable Oil Temps and CHT's, when flying SOLO/Lower fuel loads. Before the overtemp probs were solved the summer of 2010 after landing from flying the bird from Livermore CA to central Texas the ailerons were frozen after shutdown. After diagnosing, the RH side aileron cable was determined to have siezed, in some way from heat. I pulled and replaced with a new cable last summer. Scary but looked at as an anomaly. After a trip this weekend to Wichita Falls TX (166NM trip) the ailerons are again seized after shutdown after getting home (Thank You Lord!). On the trip home Oil temps peaked at 257F and CHT's peakedat 445F. At level off at 12,500 MSL all temps fell back to very normal ranges. I climbed out at 120KTS getting 500ft/min up at that speed. After calling the factory John told me to look at vortex generators on the top of the fuselage for the NACA's for the !
>> engine and to climb at 130KTS and 300 ft/min which he theorized would actually turn into 500 ft/min. I forgot to mention on the way back from Wichital Falls I was right at max gross weight and we had a 76F ambient temp on the runway at takeoff. Temp at 12,500FT was 53F. After landing and debarking wife and kids, hangaring the bird and unloading I tried the stick and have siezed ailerons again. Initial troubleshooting points to RH Aileron cable again. As well I lost my vacuum pump (in the CLAG of course). After discussing with my A&P IA hangar mate, he felt that that the overtemp must be related to the stuck aileron cable and failed vacuum pump: basically all heat related.
>> Anyone sized aileron cables on an Xl, or any Velocity. I have now seized TWO! Fortunately it appears that it is the heat soak after taxi in & shutdown that does the melting that complete's the seizing of the cable.
>> Any help appreciated.
>> 
>> Thanks
>> Mark Magee
>> Brady TX
>> N34LX FG 300 HP 75 HRS
>> 
>> Mark B. Magee
>> Sent from IPhone
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