Elevator up-travel

[hotrodmac]

So the saga continues...

I went out to the airport this afternoon to look things over. I've attached a couple pictures of the bellcrank hitting the upper stop, and one of the lower stop when the elevator is full-up. This gives me the 10 degrees of up I've mentioned before, and I do get the specified 20 down. Based on the drawings of the bellcrank, and some photos, it looks symmetrical to me; I've been wrong before though. Talked to an A&P friend and an IA friend, and we've decided to take the rudder off this weekend to investigate. The cable fittings have plenty of room to get through the opening in the tailpost bulkhead, so that doesn't appear to be the problem. Since I'm actually hitting the stop, it's got to be something in that area. right?

I'll let everyone know what I find.

[6643]

Those stops don't look right. Look at some of the other photos posted. No nuts on the aft side of the spar. I think the nut plates are backwards.

[6597]

I think the nut plates are backwards.

I agree...

[hotrodmac]

Those stops don't look right. Look at some of the other photos posted. No nuts on the aft side of the spar. I think the nut plates are backwards.

That's certainly a possibility based on the other pictures. Does anyone have a drawing to confirm? I cannot find one. So silly question, if the nut plates are backwards, how in the devil am I going to get them turned around without removing the skin on the vertical stab to install new hard rivets?

[2066]

IMG_1356.JPG (369.59 KiB) Viewed 4445 times

IMG_1357.JPG (131.88 KiB) Viewed 4445 times

So, while this (pic) is a bit smaller nut plate, if the one installed was turned around (replaced) it would allow the stop bolt head significantly more clearance (?). Mac

[6597]

The bulkhead has a hole for the head of the nutplate, you can see it on your top two pics. Creative rivet bucking, don't know if a cherrymax would be acceptable?

[hotrodmac]

Those stops don't look right. Look at some of the other photos posted. No nuts on the aft side of the spar. I think the nut plates are backwards.

My first response to this was FSCK, those things are backwards! It boggles my mind to think that the previous owners didn't notice that things are screwy and need to be fixed! It's gonna rain tomorrow, so I'm headed back to the airport on Wednesday to pull the stop bolt out and see how much extra travel I get. Airport owner won't let you drive through the fence, and I might float away walking to the hangar. Lord knows I won't melt.

IA says we can use Cherrymax to replace the nutplates, so I have a feeling that's in my future.

[2066]

Interesting. Wonder if there's any situation when utilizing a nut plate this way (with "elastic" material before the threads) would be acceptable? While the catalogue page doesn't show detail it's surprising that anyone would have installed it as it is. Mac

[V529]

Those stops don't look right. Look at some of the other photos posted. No nuts on the aft side of the spar. I think the nut plates are backwards.

Great catch John, I'll bet that is exactly what it is. Just when you think you've seen it all...........

[8342]

Just wondering how long it has been wrong like that.
Obviously since before the airplane was painted.

Rick