Gear door actuators

Todd Gessel · #1 07-31-09, 10:46 AM

Thanks! That is exactly the information I was looking for on the screw-in end fitting. I really appreciate the help.

edasmus · #2 10-10-09, 12:12 PM

Hey Everyone....I wanted to mention that on the annual inspection that was just completed (10/1/09) on my 1973 337G model (no turbo/no pressure) I had my shop check the snap rings on the gear door actuators. They said they found one that was installed the wrong way. I have no idea how long it has been that way or how it got that way but as a direct result of this thread I had mine checked and they found the discrepancy. Thanks Todd!

Have those snap rings checked guys!

Ed

Todd Gessel · #3 10-10-09, 02:01 PM

That's great Ed, I'm glad there has been some good come from my experience. The timing of your post is good because I am still undecided on whether I should replace the gear doors with the modification or put it back original with the "gland end" actuators that are available from Don Nieser. See part of an email communication below:

Todd I also looked at the Main Gear door actuators. The 1977 G parts catalog shows p/n 1580017-1 or -3 depending on aircraft serial number and the early model 337's and 0-2 aircraft used p/n 1280513-3 or alternate 1298110-3. I further checked and they all use the same door p/n, the same door hinge p/n and the same actuator mount p/n and the fuselage is no different at the rear firewall. Therefore my conclusion is that the early model 337 actuators and 0-2 actuator will work on your aircraft. The problem is getting approval. Attached are photos of the end of actuators like yours with the snap ring and a photo of an early model 337 actuator that does not have the snap ring. I have 3 of the p/n 1580017-1 and one p/n 1580017-3 actuators as removed for $950 each and a number of the p/n
1280513-3 as removed actuators for $750 each. Let me know and I can ship these parts to you right away.

I would still be looking at getting approval, but I think it would be worth the 'peace of mind', knowing the end of the actuator is more unlikely to fail than with the snap ring.

I have also attached the pictures.

Any advise and/or opinions are welcome. Original gear doors or replace with gear door mod?

I know this topic has been thoroughly discussed on this forum in previous posts, and I have read them. Any additional or fresh thoughts?

skymstr02 · #4 10-10-09, 05:04 PM

The "G"'s (1973 and up) hydraulic systems are different from the earlier 337's and O-2's. The early and military cylinders are internally different in that they have a retracted lock mechanism that locks them in the retracted position without hydraulic pressure, and the later cylinders do not have or need this. This may pose a problem if used on the later model airplanes. The later model airplanes also have a hydraulic accumulator that the early airplanes do not have.

I think that you will have a compatibility issue if you use the early cylinders in a late airplane. Getting approval will be a huge hurdle.

edasmus · #5 11-10-09, 09:13 AM

I'm just curious Todd....Did you decide to do the gear door removal or replace the actuators and put the gear doors back on?

Ed

Todd Gessel · #6 11-10-09, 04:47 PM

Hey Ed,

Thanks for asking. I decided to replace the actuators and put the gear doors on. I like the idea of having everything enclosed.

The airplane is still in the shop. The work has not been started yet. They are supposed to start on it tomorrow. I'll post a few photos when it's done.

Todd

edasmus · #7 11-10-09, 05:09 PM

Ok, good luck. I bet you are anxious to get flying again. I'm with you as far as the gear doors are concerned. I really like the look of the airplane with everything closed up. I certainly can understand the idea of removing them but as for my airplane, so far so good with keeping the doors. (knock on wood)