From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Nose strut inspections - all models
To: lml
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:05:39 -0500
Message-ID: <web-1739807@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <c62.9f06546.32cffddd@aol.com>
References: <c62.9f06546.32cffddd@aol.com>
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Posted for VTAILJEFF@aol.com:

  
  In a message dated 1/5/2007 10:46:38 AM Central Standard Time,
  MikeEasley@aol.com writes:
  
  I like Gene Martin's idea of drilling a small hole so the leak will be
  noticeable without removing the fork.
  
  Mike Easley
  
  
  Before I start drilling holes in structural parts, I would check with
  engineering. A hole is a great place for a stress riser to start, for
corrosion  to
  get its toehold, etc. Be sure the cure is better than the cold-- otherwise
  you may be subject to the law of unintended consequences.
  
  Jeff Edwards

  
[I was going to suggest the hole at the time I approved the first message 
about the required inspection, but the same thought crossed my mind so I 
figured I'd just shut up about it <g>.  In retrospect, however, I have to 
believe that a 3/32" hole located at the center of the existing mounting bolt 
circle would do the job nicely with negligible impact on structural strength. 
 Caveats do apply... first, ream the hole to final dimension so it's perfectly 
round with a smooth bore.  Next, smoothly chamfer the corners both top and 
bottom and polish out any chatter in the chamfers with successively finer 
grits to s very smooth finish... 400 grit would probably be an ok place to 
stop.  I'd use a little rubber "rivet" to plug the hole between inspections 
(each preflight?), easy to remove and replace, keeps the dirt and moisture out 
of the cylinder bore.  Most importantly, though, is follow Jeff's advice about 
checking with someone familiar with the engineering specs of that part, like 
Tim Ong, prior to taking drill to component, and letting him know the game 
plan so he can make an informed decision.  FWIW  <marv>   ]