cles may vary from aluminum to steel to stainless steel.
Following the initial break-in period during which some
metallic particles are normal almost any amount there
-
after becomes cause for concern. If subsequent changes
show additional metallic particles, the source should
be determined. The type can be somewhat determined
by separating by category, i.e. magnetic or not, steel or
aluminum, silicon (sand), etc.
Another method of determining the source is the
use spectral analysis of an oil sample. These services
are readily available by mail and can provide you with
a running history of the contaminates from each of your
oil changes.
BATTERY
The battery should be checked for electrolyte
level at each 100 hour inspection (50 Hrs. in hot weath-
er) and serviced as necessary with distilled water. Do
not overfill nor should the battery be serviced in a low
or discharged condition. If the battery is low on charge,
service to cover the plates, charge to full, then service
to full. Full is generally indicated by a “service ring”
within each cell of the battery about an inch from the
top.
Excessive water consumption may be indica-
tion of an improperly set voltage regulator. The fully
serviced and charged electrolyte should be checked for
specific gravity.
WARNING
The battery box is vented overboard to dis-
pose of the hydrogen gas produced during charging.
Hydrogen is an explosive gas in widely varying con-
centrations so it is important to frequently
check that the vent line is clear of obstructions.
TIRES
The Lancair tires should be properly inflated at all
times. The nose wheel tire should contain 32-35 psig
and the main gear tires from 55-65 psig. Maintaining
the proper inflation will minimize tread wear and aid in
ground control of the aircraft. When inflating, visually
check both sides of the tire for bulges, cracking of the
sidewall and cuts. The tread should be > 1/16”.
WARNING
Tire size is important on your Lancair. Use
only the specified tire. Other sizes will not fit into
the wheel well and may damage the mechanism
and the aircraft structure.
NOSE GEAR SHOCK STRUT
Nose wheel struts contain pressurized air and oil and is
a sealed system. It contains a shimmy dampening sys
-
tem which must be checked often. This check is made
as follows:
1) Have someone hold the nose wheel off the ground
by pressing down on the fuselage just forward of the
empennage.
2) Spin the nose wheel. It should spin over one or two
turns at the most. If excessive rotation occurs the axle
nut must be retightened and the test conducted again
until satisfactory. Verify that the bearings are properly
snug, there must be no free play between bearings and
race. Check that the side bushings are properly snug-
ging against bearings and that they are not worn. The
shimmy damper system should provide 20 to 50 ft-lbs
