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I've got a hydraulic
issue. Had it for quite awhile, and never really figured out the correct
solution. I've gone back and read the LML and still can't find my answer,
so please let me know if you have a
solution.
Problem:
Gear
won't retract after takeoff. Pump does not cycle. Only happens every
once in awhile, typically after the plane has sat on the ground in HOT
weather.
Example: flew
from HPN to IGX on Friday. Tried to fly today. Upon raising the gear
switch, the pump did not cycle and the gear did not retract. It's been
over 90 degrees for a few days.
My normal "solution"
is to loosen a hydraulic line in a main gear well and let some fluid drip
out. This has ALWAYS solved the problem. It's really annoying
though, to have to go around, land and mess with it when I'm ready to hit the
road, especially when IFR...
So - what's the proper
solution???
I do have a hydraulic
pressure gauge. It's mounted immediately before the gear dump valve, and I
can't read it in flight. I am an idiot, and don't know if this is on the
high or low pressure side (note that the gauge doesn't move if I open or close
the dump valve). Maybe you can tell
from the attached photograph? On the ground, I think I have
discovered that the gear will retract if the gauge reads below about 1200
PSI. Today it read 1500 PSI, and it wouldn't
retract.
Do I have a spool
valve problem? A leaking cylinder? Some other gremlin?
This has happened for
years and has not gotten any worse. Also, I have never seen my gear cycle
in flight (and I think I would, because typically when the pump starts running
it causes my EC100 system to give me a low voltage
warning).
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Matt
919-933-3295
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