As the title alludes, I discovered that the fork on my Scott 3200 is cracked. Glad I found it now, rather than during landing!
This started as a spring change, after reading the tech info and comparing pics/specs I realized my plane was equipped with incorrect tailwheel steering springs. Univair has the right kit for $64. After removing old springs/chains, I tried moving the tailwheel side to side and discovered that it felt "gritty" .
Ok, guess we'll clean that up too! During cleanup process I discovered the crack across the inside face of the fork. I don't think I would have noticed this crack in this location while preflighting the aircraft.
Is this something that could be welded? Would it be setting me up for a later failure?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Scott 3200 cracked fork
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Scott 3200 cracked fork
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
I would not recommend having it welded.
Very questionable about how long it would last.
I would look for a good used one first.
Several sources:
Preferred Air Parts
Texas Air Salvage
Wentworth
Ebay Motors and others.
You will need the part number for do a good search.
It looks like Univair has new ones for $340.
Rick
Very questionable about how long it would last.
I would look for a good used one first.
Several sources:
Preferred Air Parts
Texas Air Salvage
Wentworth
Ebay Motors and others.
You will need the part number for do a good search.
It looks like Univair has new ones for $340.
Rick
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
Good catch! I expect a good welder could repair it, but I doubt you'd ever get it approved. Repairs to landing gear structures are major repairs and require approved data...
John Cooper
www.skyportservices.net
www.skyportservices.net
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought of the legal aspect side of things, though I suspect the IA who works with me and is stopping in later today to reassemble it would have pointed out that small issue!
After thinking about it overnight, I will be buying a new fork. There appear to be some other worn parts too. Looking at the cost of the fork plus the rebuild kit from Alaskan Bushwheels starts to make cost of a complete new assembly look like a good move. I'll talk to my IA today.
After thinking about it overnight, I will be buying a new fork. There appear to be some other worn parts too. Looking at the cost of the fork plus the rebuild kit from Alaskan Bushwheels starts to make cost of a complete new assembly look like a good move. I'll talk to my IA today.
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
Actually, I went back and checked Appendix A and you could make the argument that it is not a major repair. Also, if you can find data in AC43-13 covering the repair, that constitutes approved data.
That said, approval not withstanding, I would not be uncomfortable making a weld repair. A good welder could repair it so you'd hardly be able to tell.
On the other hand, if there're more issues then replacing parts might make more sense.
That said, approval not withstanding, I would not be uncomfortable making a weld repair. A good welder could repair it so you'd hardly be able to tell.
On the other hand, if there're more issues then replacing parts might make more sense.
John Cooper
www.skyportservices.net
www.skyportservices.net
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
I would get a new one for $3408455 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2019 10:01 pm As the title alludes, I discovered that the fork on my Scott 3200 is cracked. Glad I found it now, rather than during landing!
This started as a spring change, after reading the tech info and comparing pics/specs I realized my plane was equipped with incorrect tailwheel steering springs. Univair has the right kit for $64. After removing old springs/chains, I tried moving the tailwheel side to side and discovered that it felt "gritty" .
Ok, guess we'll clean that up too! During cleanup process I discovered the crack across the inside face of the fork. I don't think I would have noticed this crack in this location while preflighting the aircraft.
Is this something that could be welded? Would it be setting me up for a later failure?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
https://www.airframesalaska.com/ABI-322 ... -3224k.htm
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
My IA came by and checked out the pieces. We realized that several other parts were worn. After pricing things out, I decided to go with a complete replacement assembly. The #3224A tailwheel includes their heavy duty steering arm. Should be here next Tuesday.
We inspected the tailwheel spring and found it had issues as well. The main spring was a double bend (incorrect for my 1946 model year) and the bend closest to tailwheel was flattened out. Luckily for me, Univair is not far from my work, so I was able to pick up a set of the correct springs this morning.
All of this is why my wife tends to roll her eyes when I tell her a project should only cost "x" amount and take "x" time!
We inspected the tailwheel spring and found it had issues as well. The main spring was a double bend (incorrect for my 1946 model year) and the bend closest to tailwheel was flattened out. Luckily for me, Univair is not far from my work, so I was able to pick up a set of the correct springs this morning.
All of this is why my wife tends to roll her eyes when I tell her a project should only cost "x" amount and take "x" time!
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
I had my Scott rebuilt a few years ago with the hardware kit from Alaska Bushwheel along with a new tire and tube. Also new chains and springs from Spruce I believe.
If I remember correctly, parts were around $350 and labor was about $300. If my wife only knew....
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Re: Scott 3200 cracked fork
Aviation goodness delivered today! I hope to have the entire "little wheel end" reassembled by this weekend.
I like the beefier steering arm on this!
I like the beefier steering arm on this!