Cracking on rear engine cowling.....

Roger · #1 01-10-12, 08:22 PM

Also as I think back about 15 years ago I hare a 70 skymaster that had a screen on the top half and disc on the bottom and the bottom kept cracking. My 80 h doesn't have the screen on top and I haven't had the cracks, just the vibrated out rivets.

edasmus · #2 01-10-12, 08:26 PM

No screen on my 73 G either. I'm searching as we speak for the two assemblies. Sending emails to every salvage yard Ernie has listed on his web-site. Hopefully I get lucky. The thought of wasting more time and money trying to repair my existing one again does not sound too appealing.

#3 01-10-12, 11:10 PM

Have you tried doing a propeller balance? It might be worth looking into.

hharney · #4 01-10-12, 11:18 PM

I was thinking prop balance too. I had some cracking around these areas in the past but since I installed the MT props no issues. I will take a photo of the cracks and we can compare.

edasmus · #5 01-10-12, 11:28 PM

Thanks Herb,

I have had my props balanced twice in the past. Each time after they come back from the prop shop after reseal. It has been about 3 years now. The props go out every 5 years for reseal.

hharney · #6 01-11-12, 12:13 AM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cessna-337-S...f#ht_539wt_689

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cessna-337-S...f#ht_500wt_689

Ernie Martin · #7 01-11-12, 12:40 AM

My '73 has had some cracks in the upper tailcap, which required some metal work with doubler and has held up well, but nothing on the lower tailcap. One of the rings (either 35 or 48 in the figure) broke and I replaced it with a carbon-fiber STC unit from Owen Bell at Aviation Enterprises, which has held up well.

Ernie