GLASAIR RG SERVICE ALERT

 The NewGlasair Technical Support Desk was recently contacted by the builder

of a flying Glasair II who had a hydraulic fluid lead around the shaft on

the nose gear hydraulic retract actuating cylinder. Before sending him the

rebuild kit for the actuator I suggested he check the Hydraulic Actuator

Washer (this washer retains the hydraulic actuator poly-pak seal) to verify

if it was flat or "bulged out". The builder confirmed the washer was bulged

out and this was the cause of the leaking seal.

The Hydraulic Actuator Washer currently installed in all Glasair Hydraulic

Actuators is fabricated from stainless steel. Some earlier model Glasairs

were supplied with Hydraulic Actuators which had an aluminum washer

installed. The aluminum washer is adequate for normal operation but when

subject to higher than normal operating pressures (such as thermal expansion

and landing accidents) it has the tendency to "bulge out" in the area of the

seal it is retaining.

It is highly recommended that all aluminum washers be replaced with the

stronger stainless steel washers. Builders and operators of Glasair RG

aircraft should inspect each hydraulic actuator to verify that rod seal

retaining washer is made of stainless steel. Any washers that are found to

be aluminum should be replaced with the appropriate stainless steel washer.

Probably one of the easiest ways to confirm whether the washer is aluminum

or stainless steel is to use a sharp pointed scribe and attempt to scratch

the washer. An aluminum washer will be much softer and will scratch easily.

 

 

FIGURE 1

NewGlasair has in stock three different number stainless steel washers. The

(522-5626-003) washer has a 3/8" ID inner hole for use in the G-I and II

main gear retract actuators which also have a 3/8" shaft. The

(522-5626-001) washer has a 7/16" ID hole for use in the G-I and II nose

gear actuator and the G-III main gear actuators. The (522-5626-005) washer

has a ½" ID for use in the G-III nose gear actuator.