Anyone know who has offered a cowl flap conversion?

YankeeClipper · #1 12-19-23, 01:48 PM

I had a front one that was converted to manual (i.e. motor elimination) before I acquired the plane. I sent out to Skymaster mods & parts (think that's still the Bells, but previously Aviation Enterprises in any case), because they were the only folks I know of that made them. They received mine with the intention of repairing and said "nuh unh... not one of ours."

Who else has made these? And far as I know SM&P no longer sells them. I'd prefer not to go back to a motor if I don't have to.

B2C2 · #2 12-22-23, 04:16 PM

You don't say what the issue is, but on my T337D, the original twist lock cable assembly that was used to pull the front cowl flap closed broke, and was not repairable. I found this cable on line

https://www.partdeal.com/cablecraft-...-59v00-96.html

It was installed by my A&P and works perfectly.

YankeeClipper · #3 12-22-23, 04:52 PM

I guess the issue that I'm having is that I don't know who made the manual rig for my front cowl flap. I know it can be pretty damn tough to pull it closed when in flight, so I don't know if I can use any old cable like the one you linked. And I assumed that as with all other things in aviation you would need to have a cable that is specifically made for the manual rigging that is set up for your cowl flap. Mind you, I have absolutely no idea how those cowl flaps are linked up. Whether original or modified.

What I do know is that the cable I have now no longer holds and just slips.

B2C2 · #4 12-22-23, 05:01 PM

I have a blueprint from the original kit, that was installed many years ago. Company is of course no longer in business. The cable attaches to a bracket that is installed under the right yoke. This one has a steel cable that is the same diameter as the original. My A&P was fine with signing off on this. Twist to lock cables are pretty commonly used on industrial equipment. This cable assembly is very sturdy and my A&P was happy to install and sign off. Actually works much better than the one that was on there, due to being brand new, not 40 years old.

YankeeClipper · #5 12-22-23, 05:04 PM

Interesting.

So does it work something like the emergency brake cable in an old Datsun?

B2C2 · #6 12-22-23, 05:23 PM

I don't know how that worked, although we had a datsun at one point. You pull and twist about 1/4 turn to lock it in the pulled position to close the flaps. Push and twist to lock for open.