My turn to play this game.
My tailwheel tire is looking pretty old, so I want to replace it. The tailwheel has "Maule TW-100, SFS-P8A" on it. The tire is a McCeary 2.80x2.50 4 ply. When I looked up this tire on Aircraft Spruce it gave me the same spec, PN#06-08000 for the tire and 06-08101 for the tube (link). This is the same PN as the Specialty Tires of America Tire/Tube which is also 2.80x2.50 4 ply.
I ordered the tire hoping it would be a match but it looks very different, taller and thinner. I don't think it'll fit fully inflated. Looking closer the wheel is stamped with "TW-31-D." This appears to be the Maule wheel/tire combo that Aircraft Spruce sells here. Should I be safe in ordering that as a replacement? It's actually cheaper than the tire/tube I ordered, but I want to make sure I'm replacing it with correct part.
Any input? As much as I'd like to upgrade the tailwheel to something better like the 3200, I really don't need it at this point. This tailwheel doesn't give me any issues.
Here are a few photos to help visualize what I'm working with:
Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size
Forum rules
You must be a member of the Cessna 120-140 Association in order to post new topics, reply to existing topics, or search for information on this forum. Use the "Join" link in the red menu bar.
You must be a member of the Cessna 120-140 Association in order to post new topics, reply to existing topics, or search for information on this forum. Use the "Join" link in the red menu bar.
-
- Posts: 229
- Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:53 pm
- Name: Tamer A
- Location: KSNA
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C120 O-290-D
- Occupation-Interests: Engineer
- Contact:
- 6643
- Posts: 2438
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: John C
- Location: KLCI, NH
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C140/C90
- Occupation-Interests: A&P, semi-retired
- Contact:
Re: Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size
It's the right tire and, unless it's made wrong, it will fit.
That wheel has a 10" tire on it, even bigger...
John Cooper
www.skyportservices.net
www.skyportservices.net
-
- Posts: 229
- Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:53 pm
- Name: Tamer A
- Location: KSNA
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C120 O-290-D
- Occupation-Interests: Engineer
- Contact:
Re: Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size
Thanks John, I'll give it a go. I guess it will probably reshape as it inflates. Just wanted to double check before I mounted it and couldn't return it.
- 7896
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: Michael Haas
- Location: Richmond, Va
- Aircraft Type: Cessna 120
- Occupation-Interests: Mechanical Engineer
- Contact:
Re: Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size
I feel your pain!
In the end, I replaced the odd-ball pneumatic tire with a solid tire and bearing (Aircraft Spruce Part # 06-00410). The replacements fit perfectly, so I'm guessing they are the correct components.
IMHO the pneumatic tire had a much better feel on hard surface runways. The solid tire is noticeably louder when the tail-wheel makes contact during landing.
I suppose the change has forced me to be more precise when landing. There is an upside to everything..........
Cheers,
In the end, I replaced the odd-ball pneumatic tire with a solid tire and bearing (Aircraft Spruce Part # 06-00410). The replacements fit perfectly, so I'm guessing they are the correct components.
IMHO the pneumatic tire had a much better feel on hard surface runways. The solid tire is noticeably louder when the tail-wheel makes contact during landing.
I suppose the change has forced me to be more precise when landing. There is an upside to everything..........
Cheers,
Michael Haas
'46 120 - N76219
Home Base: W96 (Quinton, VA)
'46 120 - N76219
Home Base: W96 (Quinton, VA)
-
- Posts: 229
- Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:53 pm
- Name: Tamer A
- Location: KSNA
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C120 O-290-D
- Occupation-Interests: Engineer
- Contact:
Re: Tailwheel - Tire and Tube Size
^Glad I stuck with the pneumatic wheel, I agree the solid is a bit too hard.
The hardest part was separating the two halves of the wheel.
The hardest part was separating the two halves of the wheel.
- 6643
- Posts: 2438
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: John C
- Location: KLCI, NH
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C140/C90
- Occupation-Interests: A&P, semi-retired
- Contact: