Hyd leak

[dhuffman]

I developed a seep in the left side (flap) of the combination flap/gear valve at the base of the center pedestal. The IPC shows various internal o-rings. Has anyone installed new o-rings in this valve?

Also had the red gear light not illuminate on the leg home from OSH. Noticed the left gear doors open about 1". I assume the left gear didn't fully retract to lock up and close the sw. Will be jacking the acft to troubleshoot this.

[ghancock]

I could be wrong as I have not been in that specific location (yet :-() but I have worked on the hoses and connections in the front wheel bay.  Prepare for a mess as most of my lines up there are under head pressure and will just poor fluid out when opened. You might want to drain the tank before you get too involved up there unless you can figure a way to catch the fluid while capping the line.  I do have a different system and not sure of o-rings up there but if there are they could definitely be a problem.  You might also just have a loose connection.

Good luck,

Glenn

[dhuffman]

I had a very good discussion with Geoff Pence (TCA Tech Rep). Re-seal kit is approx $14.00. Exchange valve is $2,095. Went to local Service center and picked up valve se-seal kit, nose and main strut kits. Will advise on outcome.

[ghancock]

lol,  please do, that sounds like something worth buying to add to my stash. :-)

Glenn

[Bruce Byerly]

Have you considered taking the whole plane to the service center?  When I last saw the plane, it was in desperate need of a knowledgeable twin commander mechanic.  I'm fairly confident the previous owner did not seek a service center qualified expert.

[dhuffman]

Since the acft has come home I've had a few local, retired Commander people express interest in helping with the acft. With Legacy Aviation just 15 minutes away I have a good parts/knowledge source. I previously flew and maintained a 690B for 500hrs. So now we're elbow deep in catch-up mx. Rt prop gov was incorrect p/n. Bought an O/H, correct p/n unit. Also Morris Kernick and Adam stopped by the hgr this week for a good visit. I probably wouldn't have bought a 500 if I couldn't do the majority of the work in-house. Now looking for a good engine core. Planned on overhauling my 172 engine this winter and may also do an IO-540 at the same time.