Gear Down...INOP

Forums: 

From: William Ford <willydford [at] gmail.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 10:06:46 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.

William Ford
N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:43:52 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
William,
My email has been bouncing LML messages recently.  I saw your question on the archive list.
see page 10 here
The above describes the extension failure mode in a 320/360.  I haven't studied the Legacy system relative to this failure mode  -may or may not be applicable.  Do you have pressure gauges?  The readings during gear extensions and especially during this failure would be most helpful in identifying the cause.

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Kevin Stallard <kevin [at] arilabs.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:43:52 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Do you have hydraulic pressure gauges installed so you can see the pressure on the high and low side?



I suspect that quickly opening and closing the dump valve would cure your problems, because yes, there is an interaction that occurs between the high and low side and the poppet valve in your pump.   But unless you know the pressure on the high and low side when the problem occurs, I can't say for sure.



I've seen this once on my plane.  Hitting the dump valve quickly solved the problem.



Kevin



________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of William Ford [willydford [at] gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 8:06 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP



I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.



William Ford

N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:43:52 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



The problem is caused by the hudraulic pump not
operating as desired. The shuttle valve inside it comes off its end stop and
traps fluid in the lines. This trapped fluid expands with temperature increase
increasing pressure in the lines and trips the pressure switches. Since the
switches are now open, no electricity can get to the pump morot . . . gear
failure.
 
There are three solutions to this
problem.
1) add an accumulator to the hydraulic
system.
2) rebuild and possibly modify the the pump
3) install my electric module that monitors the
pressure switches and automatically runs the pump to vent the offending
pressures.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 10:06
AM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that
I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked
into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there
please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for
gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by
a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about
boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in
temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure
switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the
hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working
the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would
like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak
on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to
momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks
for your thoughts.

William Ford
N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Douglas Brunner <douglasbrunner [at] earthlink.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:43:52 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

William,

 

I used to experience this problem fairly frequently – not only on landing - but sometimes on takeoff.

 

After I had the occasionally problem of my gear not coming up after takeoff I added to my pre-takeoff checklist an item called “burp gear”.  This means a quite turn of the hydraulic dump switch, hear the pump run, then turn it back.  Since I have started “burping” my gear, I have never had it not come up after takeoff.

 

Similarly, at the end of a long flight I sometimes find that my gear does not come down.  Again, another
“gear burp” seems to solve this problem.

 

D. Brunner

 

N 241DB 800 hours

 

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net]">mailto:lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of William Ford
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 10:07 AM
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP

 

I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.

 

William Ford

N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:26:32 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Hitting the dump valve may or may not help the problem.

It depends on how much of a temperature increase you incurred.



Wolfgang



----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Stallard" <kevin [at] arilabs.net>

To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 11:43 AM

Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP





Do you have hydraulic pressure gauges installed so you can see the pressure on the high and low side?



I suspect that quickly opening and closing the dump valve would cure your problems, because yes, there is an interaction that occurs between the high and low side and the poppet valve in your pump.   But unless you know the pressure on the high and low side when the problem occurs, I can't say for sure.



I've seen this once on my plane.  Hitting the dump valve quickly solved the problem.



Kevin



________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of William Ford [willydford [at] gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 8:06 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP



I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air. I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.



William Ford

N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 07:59:30 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Hitting the dump valve may or may not help the problem.
It depends on how much of a temperature increase you incurred.
Wolfgang

============================================
Wolfgang,
I suggest a review of the Legacy hydraulic system schematic in the following document (Legacy Addendum).
http://www.n91cz.net/Hydraulics/Lancair%20Hydraulics.pdf
You will see that the Legacy has a three-way dump valve that connects both high and low sides to the
reservoir.  It will always dump pressure regardless of temperature rise.

Extension failures were more common in the 320/360 and can be resolved by simply adjusting the low side pressure switch higher (and if needed, the relief valve also) -see page 10.  The higher volume gear pump in the Legacies reduces the exposure to the failure when using stock pressure settings.
The initial extension sends a pressure pulse through the system and can, if condition are just right, shut the pump down.  The hydraulic system will think the gear is down and pressurized.  This type of failure is what caught Lorn off-guard and resulted in a gear-up landing. See attached, the photo of
Lorn’s pressure gauges after he slid to a stop.  Both gauges are 500 psi +/-.
The gear selector is down, the low side pressure switch is open and the high side pressure switch is
closed.  The very same condition as when the gear is fully down and locked.  Based on prior descriptions of your module, it will not detect this condition as a failure and will do nothing to fix it.
Most Legacy pumps have spool return springs which can cause pressure rise in both sides due to a temperature increase.  This is more often an issue sitting on the ground on a hot parking ramp where the potential temperature swing is much greater.  I recommend removing these springs per instructions in this link:

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Charles Brown <browncc1 [at] verizon.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:01:27 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

William,

A tweak on the pressure switches won't do it.  I think Wolfgang's list of remedies is correct, and Chris Zavatson has the full analysis and the kit that will modify the pump (I haven't tested, but his analysis makes sense to me).

Just one little note -- this can happen in reverse too.  An airplane that's landed on a cold day... and launched on a warm morning following -- can have gear *retraction* failure, as I know to my extreme discomfort on an occasion when I took off into a low overcast, pointed straight at DFW 9 miles away, with an immediate heading change, freq change, etc.  It was necessary to revert to basics:  FLY THE AIRPLANE before figuring out why it wasn't climbing and cracking the dump valve.  

I haven't modified my hydro pump yet, but I plan to; until then, every preflight includes "Cycle the dump valve".  This relieves any pressure buildup that may have occurred since the previous flight.

Charley Brown
Legacy #299  330hr



I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.



William Ford
N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: William Ford <willydford [at] gmail.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:03:15 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Many thanks to Chris Z, Andy W, Douglas B, Kevin S, Charles B, Wolfgang for your time and thoughts. Also Justin at Lancair.  Thanks for the refreshed understanding of what was going on here.  Right now, my airplane in the shop for upholstery down in Corpus Chrisi.  Can't wait to get it back, but in the meantime I will be editing my check list to include the dump valve cycling.  In the past, its always "just been there".  Additionally, a couple of you asked if I had pressure gauges installed on the hi and low sides.  I don't currently but will most likely entertain that idea if this becomes an ongoing issue in the future that requires more careful diagnosis and adjustment.  Thanks Again!!!

William Ford
N11LL

"Oshkosh or Bust"

Gear Down...INOP

From: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411) <valin.b.thorn [at] nasa.gov>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:03:47 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang,

 

Could you please provide more details on your solution options?  We’re coming up on wetting our hydraulic lines and if a mod if is needed it would be
easiest to do while the system is dry…

 

Thanks,

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy Project

Boulder, Colorado

 

 

 

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net]">mailto:lml [at] lancaironline.net]
On Behalf Of Wolfgang

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 9:44 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP

 

The problem is caused by the hudraulic pump not operating as desired. The shuttle valve inside it comes off its end stop and traps fluid in the lines. This trapped fluid expands
with temperature increase increasing pressure in the lines and trips the pressure switches. Since the switches are now open, no electricity can get to the pump morot . . . gear failure.

 

There are three solutions to this problem.

1) add an accumulator to the hydraulic system.

2) rebuild and possibly modify the the pump

3) install my electric module that monitors the pressure switches and automatically runs the pump to vent the offending pressures.

 

Wolfgang

 

----- Original Message -----

From:
willydford [at] gmail.com (William Ford)

To:
lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 10:06 AM

Subject: Gear Down...INOP

 

I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation,
reason and any possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.  I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in
temperature which in turn had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the
landing was uneventful but I would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for
your thoughts.

 

William Ford

N11LL

Gear Down...INOP

From: Kevin Stallard <kevin [at] arilabs.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:04:10 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

I hear you Wolfgang,



Temperature changes result in pressure changes,



Pressure changes can then affect the switches on the pump.



If the pressure switches on the pump are open, then a good course of action is to open the dump valve long enough to allow the switch to close, then the pump works.



So in essence, if temperature changes are the root cause, it is very likely that the dump value cures it (at least for that particular instance).



I think Chris Z has a bunch of information about how I may be able to cure the problem on a permanent basis.  



Thanks

Kevin



________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Wolfgang [Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net]

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 10:26 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP



Hitting the dump valve may or may not help the problem.

It depends on how much of a temperature increase you incurred.



Wolfgang



----- Original Message -----

From: "Kevin Stallard" <kevin [at] arilabs.net>

To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 11:43 AM

Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP





Do you have hydraulic pressure gauges installed so you can see the pressure on the high and low side?



I suspect that quickly opening and closing the dump valve would cure your problems, because yes, there is an interaction that occurs

between the high and low side and the poppet valve in your pump.   But unless you know the pressure on the high and low side when

the problem occurs, I can't say for sure.



I've seen this once on my plane.  Hitting the dump valve quickly solved the problem.



Kevin



________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of William Ford [willydford [at] gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 8:06 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP



I believe that I recently experienced something in my Legacy that I remember reading about but can't remember all the details.  I

looked into the LML archives and was unsuccessful.  Could someone out there please briefly summarize the situation, reason and any

possible remedies for gear extension failure following high altitude cruise in cold air followed by a decent and landing in hot air.

I seem to remember a discussion about boosted pressure in the hydraulics plumbing due to the rapid rise in temperature which in turn

had an effect on the operation of the pressure switch  In my recent experience...after opening the dump valve, the hydraulic pump

did run, confirming continuity to the pump.  After working the nose gear into the locked position, the landing was uneventful but I

would like to avoid this uncomfortable situation in the future.  Would a tweak on the pressure switch adjustment be called for here

or just expect to momentarily crack open the dump valve to relieve excess pressure.  Thanks for your thoughts.



William Ford

N11LL







--

For archives and unsub http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html

Gear Down...INOP

From: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411) <valin.b.thorn [at] nasa.gov>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:04:35 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Thanks Chris. 

 

At lunch I looked over your excellent report on the 320/360 and Legacy hydraulic systems.  We have the pre-2005 Legacy hydraulic pump we’d modified for
28 VDC and changed to the high capacity pump.  I’d never heard anything from Lancair about a change in the internals as you described it – symmetric spool, spool centering springs, 150 psi backpressure circuit removed, etc.

 

Of course we have the three way dump valve to handle the hydraulic cylinder rod retraction/extension on dump valve activation.  But, it seems everything
thing else must be 320/360 type internal on the spool and backpressure circuit. 

 

I’m not sure what changes we should make, if any, to have a system that isn’t prone to these pressure lock ups with temperature changes…  Suggestions? 
I think William Ford’s Legacy kit number is close to ours so he likely has a similar setup…

 

Thanks again,

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy Project

Boulder, Colorado

 

 

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net]">mailto:lml [at] lancaironline.net]
On Behalf Of Chris Zavatson

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 9:44 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP

 

William,

My email has been bouncing LML messages recently.  I saw your question on the archive list.

see page 10 here

The above describes the extension failure mode in a 320/360.  I haven't studied the Legacy system relative to this failure mode  -may or may not be applicable.  Do you
have pressure gauges?  The readings during gear extensions and especially during this failure would be most helpful in identifying the cause.

 

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Douglas Brunner <douglasbrunner [at] earthlink.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:18:20 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

I am far from an expert on this but …

 

I have an EI MVP – which I love.  It has the ability to record/measure hydraulic pressure (although I have never checked it)

 

Rather than getting separate gauges, maybe you could use it.

 

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net]">mailto:lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of William Ford
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 3:03 PM
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP

 

Many thanks to Chris Z, Andy W, Douglas B, Kevin S, Charles B, Wolfgang for your time and thoughts. Also Justin at Lancair.  Thanks for the refreshed understanding of what was going on here.  Right now, my airplane in the shop for upholstery down in Corpus Chrisi.  Can't wait to get it back, but in the meantime I will be editing my check list to include the dump valve cycling.  In the past, its always "just been there".  Additionally, a couple of you asked if I had pressure gauges installed on the hi and low sides.  I don't currently but will most likely entertain that idea if this becomes an ongoing issue in the future that requires more careful diagnosis and adjustment.  Thanks Again!!!

 

William Ford

N11LL

 

"Oshkosh or Bust"

Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Fw: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:04:12 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



The dump valves in the 360/320 did not "dump" to
the reservoir, it only cross connected the high and low sides of the hydraulic
pump. But you know that.
Changing it out for a valve the that does
"dump" to the reservoir was one of my suggestions quite a while back since the
pump body already has ports to accommodate that.
 
Again, forced running of the pump in the
appropriate direction (determined by the gear switch position) when both hi and
lo pressure switches have been tripped rendering the pump inoperable, WILL clear
the problem. That's what a pressure switch monitoring module does,
automatically. This solution works for the 320, 360 and Legacy.
 
This solution does not rely on the pump behaving as
it should for the service life of the pump. I like more than one way of
preventing potential hull damage.
 
This solution can also be implemented by a manual
push button switch on the panel but requires pilot intervention.
 
"if condition are just right, shut the pump down"
. . . but once the pulse subsides (miliseconds)
that event is over because the un-extended gear down cylinder volume will absorb
that pulse.
. . . unless there is a blockage in the lines . . .
then you have other problems.
There is no need to theorize the problem into
obscurity. KISS principal rules.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 7:59 AM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

Hitting the dump valve may
or may not help the problem.
It depends on how much of a temperature increase
you incurred.
Wolfgang

============================================
Wolfgang,
I
suggest a review of the Legacy hydraulic system schematic in the
following document (Legacy Addendum).
http://www.n91cz.net/Hydraulics/Lancair%20Hydraulics.pdf
You will see that the Legacy has a
three-way dump valve that connects both high and low sides to the
reservoir.  It will always dump pressure regardless of temperature
rise.

Extension failures were more
common in the 320/360 and can be resolved by simply adjusting the low side
pressure switch higher (and if needed, the relief valve also) -see page
10.  The higher volume gear pump in the Legacies reduces the exposure to
the failure when using stock pressure settings.
The initial extension sends a
pressure pulse through the system and can, if condition are just right, shut the
pump down.  The hydraulic system will think the gear is down and
pressurized.  This type of failure is what caught Lorn off-guard and
resulted in a gear-up landing. See attached, the photo of Lorn�s pressure gauges
after he slid to a stop.  Both gauges are 500 psi +/-.
The gear selector is down, the low
side pressure switch is open and the high side pressure switch is
closed.  The very same condition as when the gear is fully down and
locked.  Based on prior descriptions of your module, it will not detect
this condition as a failure and will do nothing to fix it.
Most Legacy pumps have spool
return springs which can cause pressure rise in both sides due to a temperature
increase.  This is more often an issue sitting on the ground on a hot
parking ramp where the potential temperature swing is much greater.  I
recommend removing these springs per instructions in this link:

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:04:25 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

 
Thanks Chris. 
 
At lunch I looked over your excellent report on the 320/360 and Legacy hydraulic systems.  We have the pre-2005 Legacy hydraulic pump we’d modified for 28 VDC and changed to the high capacity pump.  I’d never heard anything from Lancair about a change in the internals as you described it – symmetric spool, spool centering springs, 150 psi backpressure circuit removed, etc.
 
Of course we have the three way dump valve to handle the hydraulic cylinder rod retraction/extension on dump valve activation. 
But, it seems everything thing else must be 320/360 type internal on the spool and backpressure circuit. 
 
I’m not sure what changes we should make, if any, to have a system that isn’t prone to these pressure lock ups with temperature changes…  Suggestions?  I think William Ford’s Legacy kit number is close to ours so he likely has a similar setup…
 
Thanks again,
 
Valin Thorn
Legacy Project
Boulder, Colorado
===================================
Valin,
My involvement with the Legacy pumps started when they began showing up in 320/360s.  Lancair wanted to only carry one configuration for both planes.  This is when I learned of the return springs having been added to the Legacy pump.  Apparently no one really thought through what would happen during thermal cycling.  Personnel turn-over at both Parker and Lancair left everyone scratching their heads as to why this change was made.  All agreed it had the potential for lock up.  They was little motivation, however, to do anything about it.  The Legacy had a 'get out of jail free' card with the three way dump valve .  The 320/360 was a little more problematic.  The most I could get from Lancair was an offer to include a note with each 320/360 shipment stating something to the effect "this pump may lock up your hydraulic
system on a warm day". 
While Parker was still in the aviation business, they were supplying parts free of charge to revert Legacy pumps back to the original 320/360 configuration while retaining the higher volume gear pump.
The Legacy fleet unfortunately has a mixture of pump variants.  Early unit were likely 320/360 pumps.  Then came the higher volume gear pump and a symmetric spool.  After that, the return springs (which also removed the return line back pressure spring).  If an early model pump ever went into Parker for servicing, the internal configuration may have been 'upgraded'.  
In my opinion, the best configuration for the Legacy is:

1.  high volume gear pump - larger fluid volume in the system.
2. symmetric spool - system has cylinders in both extension and retraction orientation
3. no spool return springs - they add no
benefit, only lock up potential
4. add/retain the 150psi back pressure circuit in the reservoir return line - belt and suspenders to ensure the spool cannot get stuck at a travel endpoint.  Note that the return line from the dump valve (third line in the center) bypasses the 150 psi circuit.  Only fluid coming from within the pump is subject to the 150 psi back pressure. 

The Legacy may also benefit from a higher low side pressure setting, especially for those with older, low volume gear pumps.  The higher volume gear pump may be able to outrun the pressure surge that is generated at the initiation of gear extension.  This is where pressure gauges are useful.  You'll see the pressure spike on the low side upon selecting gear down.  If the spike hits the low side pressure setting the pump will shut down.  800 psi works well for the 320/360.  The
higher volume gear pump lowers the risk, but I can't put a number to it without some data. 
hope that helps,

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411) <valin.b.thorn [at] nasa.gov>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:04:52 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Thanks Chris.  So I just need a symmetric spool as far as I can tell.  I heard you might have some extra ones…  Could I buy one from you?

 

Valin

 

From: Chris Zavatson [chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com]">mailto:chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com]


Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 10:49 AM

To: LML posts; Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411)

Subject: Gear Down...INOP

 

 

 

Thanks Chris. 

 

At lunch I looked over your excellent report on the 320/360 and Legacy hydraulic systems.  We have the pre-2005 Legacy hydraulic pump we’d modified for 28 VDC and changed
to the high capacity pump.  I’d never heard anything from Lancair about a change in the internals as you described it – symmetric spool, spool centering springs, 150 psi backpressure circuit removed, etc.

 

Of course we have the three way dump valve to handle the hydraulic cylinder rod retraction/extension on dump valve activation.  But, it seems everything thing else must
be 320/360 type internal on the spool and backpressure circuit. 

 

I’m not sure what changes we should make, if any, to have a system that isn’t prone to these pressure lock ups with temperature changes…  Suggestions?  I think William
Ford’s Legacy kit number is close to ours so he likely has a similar setup…

 

Thanks again,

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy Project

Boulder, Colorado

===================================

Valin,

My involvement with the Legacy pumps started when they began showing up in 320/360s.  Lancair wanted to only carry one
configuration for both planes.  This is when I learned of the return springs having been added to the Legacy pump.  Apparently no one really thought through what would happen during thermal cycling.  Personnel turn-over at both Parker and Lancair left everyone
scratching their heads as to why this change was made.  All agreed it had the potential for lock up.  They was little motivation, however, to do anything about it.  The Legacy had a 'get out of jail free' card with the three way dump valve .  The 320/360 was
a little more problematic.  The most I could get from Lancair was an offer to include a note with each 320/360 shipment stating something to the effect "this pump may lock up your hydraulic system on a warm day". 

While Parker was still in the aviation business, they were supplying parts free of charge to revert Legacy pumps back to the original 320/360 configuration while retaining
the higher volume gear pump.

The Legacy fleet unfortunately has a mixture of pump variants.  Early unit were likely 320/360 pumps.  Then came the higher volume gear pump and a symmetric spool.  After
that, the return springs (which also removed the return line back pressure spring).  If an early model pump ever went into Parker for servicing, the internal configuration may have been 'upgraded'.  

In my opinion, the best configuration for the Legacy is:

 

1.  high volume gear pump - larger fluid volume in the system.

2. symmetric spool - system has cylinders in both extension and retraction orientation

3. no spool return springs - they add no benefit, only lock up potential

4. add/retain the 150psi back pressure circuit in the reservoir return line - belt and suspenders to ensure the spool cannot get stuck at a travel endpoint.  Note that
the return line from the dump valve (third line in the center) bypasses the 150 psi circuit.  Only fluid coming from within the pump is subject to the 150 psi back pressure. 

 

The Legacy may also benefit from a higher low side pressure setting, especially for those with older, low volume gear pumps.  The higher volume gear pump may be able to
outrun the pressure surge that is generated at the initiation of gear extension.  This is where pressure gauges are useful.  You'll see the pressure spike on the low side upon selecting gear down.  If the spike hits the low side pressure setting the pump will
shut down.  800 psi works well for the 320/360.  The higher volume gear pump lowers the risk, but I can't put a number to it without some data. 

hope that helps,

 

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411) <valin.b.thorn [at] nasa.gov>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:05:07 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Not sure why this one didn’t go through yesterday…  So trying again.

 

From: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411)


Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 10:55 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Cc: Thorn, Valin B. (JSC-VA411)

Subject: RE: [LML] Gear Down...INOP

 

Thanks Chris. 

 

At lunch I looked over your excellent report on the 320/360 and Legacy hydraulic systems.  We have the pre-2005 Legacy hydraulic pump we’d modified for
28 VDC and changed to the high capacity pump.  I’d never heard anything from Lancair about a change in the internals as you described it – symmetric spool, spool centering springs, 150 psi backpressure circuit removed, etc.

 

Of course we have the three way dump valve to handle the hydraulic cylinder rod retraction/extension on dump valve activation.  But, it seems everything
thing else must be 320/360 type internal on the spool and backpressure circuit. 

 

I’m not sure what changes we should make, if any, to have a system that isn’t prone to these pressure lock ups with temperature changes…  Suggestions? 
I think William Ford’s Legacy kit number is close to ours so he likely has a similar setup…

 

Thanks again,

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy Project

Boulder, Colorado

 

 

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net (mailto:)

]
On Behalf Of Chris Zavatson

Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 9:44 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net



Subject: [LML] Gear Down...INOP

 

William,

My email has been bouncing LML messages recently.  I saw your question on the archive list.

see page 10 here

The above describes the extension failure mode in a 320/360.  I haven't studied the Legacy system relative to this failure mode  -may or may not be applicable.  Do you
have pressure gauges?  The readings during gear extensions and especially during this failure would be most helpful in identifying the cause.

 

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Fw: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 08:18:10 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang,

Based on your statement, I don’t think you understand this
failure mode.

“. . but once the pulse subsides (miliseconds) that event
is over because the un-extended gear down cylinder volume will absorb that
pulse.”

Yes, the pulse event is over, but the damage is
done.  The gear is stuck partially extended
with one pressure switch open and one closed. 
Your module WILL NOT clear this problem.

We have very different approaches to aircraft operation
and maintenance.  I don’t install gadgets
to undo a problem after it occurs.  I
prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.

“This solution does not rely on the pump behaving as it
should “   You should not be flying if your pump or any
other part of the aircraft is not behaving as it should.  Too many have died doing this. 
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std




On Wednesday, April 23, 2014 3:04 PM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:


The dump valves in the 360/320 did not "dump" to
the reservoir, it only cross connected the high and low sides of the hydraulic
pump. But you know that.


Changing it out for a valve the that does
"dump" to the reservoir was one of my suggestions quite a while back since the
pump body already has ports to accommodate that.


 


Again, forced running of the pump in the
appropriate direction (determined by the gear switch position) when both hi and
lo pressure switches have been tripped rendering the pump inoperable, WILL clear
the problem. That's what a pressure switch monitoring module does,
automatically. This solution works for the 320, 360 and Legacy.


 


This solution does not rely on the pump behaving as
it should for the service life of the pump. I like more than one way of
preventing potential hull damage.


 


This solution can also be implemented by a manual
push button switch on the panel but requires pilot intervention.


 


"if condition are just right, shut the pump down"


. . . but once the pulse subsides (miliseconds)
that event is over because the un-extended gear down cylinder volume will absorb
that pulse.


. . . unless there is a blockage in the lines . . .
then you have other problems.


There is no need to theorize the problem into
obscurity. KISS principal rules.


 


Wolfgang


 



----- Original Message -----


To: lml [at] lancaironline.net


Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 7:59 AM


Subject: Gear Down...INOP












Hitting the dump valve may
or may not help the problem.
It depends on how much of a temperature increase
you incurred.



Wolfgang






============================================



Wolfgang,
I
suggest a review of the Legacy hydraulic system schematic in the
following document (Legacy Addendum).
http://www.n91cz.net/Hydraulics/Lancair%20Hydraulics.pdf
You will see that the Legacy has a
three-way dump valve that connects both high and low sides to the
reservoir.  It will always dump pressure regardless of temperature
rise.




Extension failures were more
common in the 320/360 and can be resolved by simply adjusting the low side
pressure switch higher (and if needed, the relief valve also) -see page
10.  The higher volume gear pump in the Legacies reduces the exposure to
the failure when using stock pressure settings.
The initial extension sends a
pressure pulse through the system and can, if condition are just right, shut the
pump down.  The hydraulic system will think the gear is down and
pressurized.  This type of failure is what caught Lorn off-guard and
resulted in a gear-up landing. See attached, the photo of Lorn�s pressure gauges
after he slid to a stop.  Both gauges are 500 psi +/-.
The gear selector is down, the low
side pressure switch is open and the high side pressure switch is
closed.  The very same condition as when the gear is fully down and
locked.  Based on prior descriptions of your module, it will not detect
this condition as a failure and will do nothing to fix it.



Most Legacy pumps have spool
return springs which can cause pressure rise in both sides due to a temperature
increase.  This is more often an issue sitting on the ground on a hot
parking ramp where the potential temperature swing is much greater.  I
recommend removing these springs per instructions in this link:








Chris Zavatson



N91CZ



360std




--
For archives and unsub
http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html


Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Fw: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:52:15 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



Chris,
 
Why don't we just agree to disagree. I believe in
redundancy and it looks like you don't.
 
The pressure pulse you're talking about will
subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially
extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close
again, and enable the pump to continue
. . . No,
the damage has NOT been done.
 
The only way the switch will stay open (the
pressure stays high) is if there is a physical obstruction preventing the from
moving down any further (like when it is full down).
 
Learn to live with the fact that you're not the
only one that knows a thing or two about airplanes.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2014 8:18
AM
Subject: Re: [LML] Fw: Gear
Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
Based
on your statement, I don’t think you understand this failure
mode.
“. . but once the
pulse subsides (miliseconds) that event is over because the un-extended gear
down cylinder volume will absorb that
pulse.”
Yes,
the pulse event is over, but the damage is done.  The gear is stuck partially extended
with one pressure switch open and one closed.  Your module WILL NOT clear this
problem.
We
have very different approaches to aircraft operation and maintenance.  I don’t install gadgets to undo a
problem after it occurs.  I
prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
“This solution does not rely on the pump behaving as it should “   You should not be flying if your pump
or any other part of the aircraft is not behaving as it should.  Too many have died doing this. 
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

On Wednesday,
April 23, 2014 3:04 PM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
wrote:

The dump valves in the 360/320 did not "dump" to
the reservoir, it only cross connected the high and low sides of the hydraulic
pump. But you know that.

Changing it out for a valve the that does
"dump" to the reservoir was one of my suggestions quite a while back since the
pump body already has ports to accommodate that.

 

Again, forced running of the pump in the
appropriate direction (determined by the gear switch position) when both hi
and lo pressure switches have been tripped rendering the pump inoperable, WILL
clear the problem. That's what a pressure switch monitoring module does,
automatically. This solution works for the 320, 360 and
Legacy.

 

This solution does not rely on the pump behaving
as it should for the service life of the pump. I like more than one way of
preventing potential hull damage.

 

This solution can also be implemented by a manual
push button switch on the panel but requires pilot
intervention.

 

"if condition are just right, shut the pump down"

. . . but once the pulse subsides (miliseconds)
that event is over because the un-extended gear down cylinder volume will
absorb that pulse.

. . . unless there is a blockage in the lines . .
. then you have other problems.

There is no need to theorize the problem into
obscurity. KISS principal rules.

 

Wolfgang

 

----- Original Message -----
From: chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com (Chris Zavatson)

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 7:59
AM

Subject: Gear Down...INOP


Hitting the
dump valve may or may not help the problem.
It depends on how much of a
temperature increase you incurred.

Wolfgang


============================================

Wolfgang,
I suggest a review of the Legacy hydraulic
system schematic in the following document (Legacy Addendum).
http://www.n91cz.net/Hydraulics/Lancair%20Hydraulics.pdf
You will see that
the Legacy has a three-way dump valve that connects both high and low sides to
the reservoir.  It will always dump pressure regardless of temperature
rise.


Extension
failures were more common in the 320/360 and can be resolved by simply
adjusting the low side pressure switch higher (and if needed, the relief valve
also) -see page 10.  The higher volume gear pump in the Legacies reduces
the exposure to the failure when using stock pressure settings.
The initial extension sends a
pressure pulse through the system and can, if condition are just right, shut
the pump down.  The hydraulic system will think the gear is down and
pressurized.  This type of failure is what caught Lorn off-guard and
resulted in a gear-up landing. See attached, the photo of Lorn�s pressure
gauges after he slid to a stop.  Both gauges are 500 psi +/-.
The gear selector is down, the
low side pressure switch is open and the high side pressure switch is
closed.  The very same condition as when the gear is fully down and
locked.  Based on prior descriptions of your module, it will not detect
this condition as a failure and will do nothing to fix it.

Most Legacy pumps
have spool return springs which can cause pressure rise in both sides due to a
temperature increase.  This is more often an issue sitting on the
ground on a hot parking ramp where the potential temperature swing is
much greater.  I recommend removing these springs per instructions in
this link:


Chris
Zavatson

N91CZ

360std


--
For archives and unsub
http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html


Gear Down...INOP

From: Colyn Case <colyncase [at] earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Fw: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:15:02 -0400
To: Lancair Mailing List <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

<< below


On Apr 25, 2014, at 11:52 AM, Wolfgang wrote:


Chris,
 
Why don't we just agree to disagree. I believe in
redundancy and it looks like you don't. << this is bogus.  Chris is favoring addressing the original problem.  Redundancy is having a second copy of a known good design in case the first copy is physically compromised,  not having a work around for a design that is known to have a problem.
 
The pressure pulse you're talking about will
subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially
extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close
again, and enable the pump to continue
. . . No,
the damage has NOT been done.
 
The only way the switch will stay open (the
pressure stays high) is if there is a physical obstruction preventing the from
moving down any further (like when it is full down).
 
Learn to live with the fact that you're not the
only one that knows a thing or two about airplanes.  
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2014 8:18
AM
Subject: Re: [LML] Fw: Gear
Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
Based
on your statement, I don’t think you understand this failure
mode.
“. . but once the
pulse subsides (miliseconds) that event is over because the un-extended gear
down cylinder volume will absorb that
pulse.”
Yes,
the pulse event is over, but the damage is done.  The gear is stuck partially extended
with one pressure switch open and one closed.  Your module WILL NOT clear this
problem.
We
have very different approaches to aircraft operation and maintenance.  I don’t install gadgets to undo a
problem after it occurs.  I
prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
“This solution does not rely on the pump behaving as it should “   You should not be flying if your pump
or any other part of the aircraft is not behaving as it should.  Too many have died doing this. 
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

On Wednesday,
April 23, 2014 3:04 PM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net

>
wrote:

The dump valves in the 360/320 did not "dump" to
the reservoir, it only cross connected the high and low sides of the hydraulic
pump. But you know that.

Changing it out for a valve the that does
"dump" to the reservoir was one of my suggestions quite a while back since the
pump body already has ports to accommodate that.

 

Again, forced running of the pump in the
appropriate direction (determined by the gear switch position) when both hi
and lo pressure switches have been tripped rendering the pump inoperable, WILL
clear the problem. That's what a pressure switch monitoring module does,
automatically. This solution works for the 320, 360 and
Legacy.

 

This solution does not rely on the pump behaving
as it should for the service life of the pump. I like more than one way of
preventing potential hull damage.

 

This solution can also be implemented by a manual
push button switch on the panel but requires pilot
intervention.

 

"if condition are just right, shut the pump down"

. . . but once the pulse subsides (miliseconds)
that event is over because the un-extended gear down cylinder volume will
absorb that pulse.

. . . unless there is a blockage in the lines . .
. then you have other problems.

There is no need to theorize the problem into
obscurity. KISS principal rules.

 

Wolfgang

 

----- Original Message -----
From: chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com (Chris Zavatson)

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 7:59
AM

Subject: Gear Down...INOP


Hitting the
dump valve may or may not help the problem.
It depends on how much of a
temperature increase you incurred.

Wolfgang


============================================

Wolfgang,
I suggest a review of the Legacy hydraulic
system schematic in the following document (Legacy Addendum).
http://www.n91cz.net/Hydraulics/Lancair%20Hydraulics.pdf
You will see that
the Legacy has a three-way dump valve that connects both high and low sides to
the reservoir.  It will always dump pressure regardless of temperature
rise.


Extension
failures were more common in the 320/360 and can be resolved by simply
adjusting the low side pressure switch higher (and if needed, the relief valve
also) -see page 10.  The higher volume gear pump in the Legacies reduces
the exposure to the failure when using stock pressure settings.
The initial extension sends a
pressure pulse through the system and can, if condition are just right, shut
the pump down.  The hydraulic system will think the gear is down and
pressurized.  This type of failure is what caught Lorn off-guard and
resulted in a gear-up landing. See attached, the photo of Lorn�s pressure
gauges after he slid to a stop.  Both gauges are 500 psi +/-.
The gear selector is down, the
low side pressure switch is open and the high side pressure switch is
closed.  The very same condition as when the gear is fully down and
locked.  Based on prior descriptions of your module, it will not detect
this condition as a failure and will do nothing to fix it.

Most Legacy pumps
have spool return springs which can cause pressure rise in both sides due to a
temperature increase.  This is more often an issue sitting on the
ground on a hot parking ramp where the potential temperature swing is
much greater.  I recommend removing these springs per instructions in
this link:


Chris
Zavatson

N91CZ

360std


--
For archives and unsub
http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html



Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 13:47:40 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Chris,
 
Why don't we just agree to disagree. I believe in redundancy and it looks like you don't.
 
The pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to continue . . . No, the damage has NOT been done.
 
The only way the switch will stay open (the pressure
stays high) is if there is a physical obstruction preventing the from moving down any further (like when it is full down).
 
Learn to live with the fact that you're not the only one that knows a thing or two about airplanes.
 
Wolfgang
======================


Wolfgang,

It is unfortunate that you do not have a Lancair and cannot
go out and observe what we are discussing. The extension failure has been
observed by many.  The pressure interaction
is clearly visible if one has pressure gauges installed in the panel.  It caught your friend Lorn Olsen off guard
and he had a gear up landing because of it. 
Damage was definitely done.  The
photo he posted of his pressure gauges after the landing very clearly showed
the state of the hydraulics during this failure mode.  And no obstruction had to magically
appear in his lines to get it there.  Your
module will not catch this failure mode. 
One switch is open, one is closed, yet the gear is only partially
extended.

Advocating not correcting a known problem is
dangerous.  Attempting to use a patch to
correct a problem is not redundancy. When the patch cannot detect a known
failure mode it provides a falls sense of security.

Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:28:26 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Wolfgang,


<<“I believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't….”>>


I am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy defined as a true back-up
to an otherwise trouble-free system.


First, I have redundant switches to power the pump
solenoids.  This allows me to raise and
lower the gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn’t happen very often, but it does
happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360. 


I also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems, separate switches,
separate wires and separate indicators. 
The second set of switches is mounted directly on the over-center links.


I even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case


<<“The pressure pulse you're talking about will
subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially
extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close
again, and enable the pump to continue . .”>>


The part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary
pulse is not directly turning off the pump. 
Thus when the pulse subsides, the pump doesn’t just spring back to
life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the
wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this happens, the
high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low side
pressure setting, the pump is turned off. 
This is why you see both high and low circuits pressurized to the same
value in Lorn’s photo.


To prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be
raised.  800 psi has proven
sufficient.  The high volume gear pump
will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to
absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.


I highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low
circuit be installed in a location visible to the pilot.  The state of the system can always be
verified.  One can immediately diagnose any
in-flight problem.  Leaks can be caught
early.  And adjusting pressure settings
is no longer guess work.

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:14:56 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Chris,
 
You sure base a lot of conclusions on one photo.
Lorn does not agree with you. (his
photo)
I do not agree with you.
And contrary to your innuendos, I have observed and
researched a lot more than you know.
. . . including my own set of test of control
forces and longitudinal stability on the LNC2.
And you fail to acknowledge that the pressure could
be from the gear being forced back up in the landing.
I detect that you check all possibilities when you
want to support yourself but are not as diligent otherwise.
 
If you are such an evangelist about the pump, why
haven't you made any progress with Lancair ? ?
Instead you keep trying to pick on me
because you don't like my position.
 
The only unfortunate thing here is that you still
don't want to let it go and let others make their own conclusions after
presenting your position.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Friday, April 25, 2014 1:47
PM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

Chris,
 
Why don't we just agree to disagree. I believe in
redundancy and it looks like you don't.
 
The pressure pulse you're talking about will
subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only
partially extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch
will close again, and enable the pump to continue
. . . No, the damage has NOT been done.
 
The only way the switch will stay open (the
pressure stays high) is if there is a physical obstruction preventing the from
moving down any further (like when it is full down).
 
Learn to live with the fact that you're not the
only one that knows a thing or two about airplanes.
 
Wolfgang
======================

Wolfgang,
It is unfortunate
that you do not have a Lancair and cannot go out and observe what we are
discussing. The extension failure has been observed by many.  The pressure interaction is clearly
visible if one has pressure gauges installed in the panel.  It caught your friend Lorn Olsen off
guard and he had a gear up landing because of it.  Damage was definitely done.  The photo he posted of his pressure
gauges after the landing very clearly showed the state of the hydraulics
during this failure mode.  And no obstruction had to magically appear in
his lines to get it there.  Your
module will not catch this failure mode. 
One switch is open, one is closed, yet the gear is only partially
extended.

Advocating
not correcting a known problem is dangerous.  Attempting to use a patch to correct a
problem is not redundancy. When the patch cannot detect a known failure mode
it provides a falls sense of security.

Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:15:43 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang
<<You sure base a lot of conclusions on one photo.>>

I come to my conclusion about the photo based on your posts
to the LML and those by Lorn regarding the incident. Please correct any errors.
  1. Lorn describes a hectic IFR approach with
    turbulence and huge crab angles.  He
    stated that upon selecting gear down he did not notice that both switches were
    open (not sure how he was able to monitor the switches), or didn’t notice the
    lack of three green.
  2. If both pressure switches were indeed open, the
    low side pressure gauge would read 500+ and the high side 1200+ psi.  Clearly they do not.
  3. Furthermore, had the above assumption been true
    and both sides were pressurized, the gear would have remained completely stowed
    in the wheel wells.
  4. If, as you state, the gear was indeed pushed up
    upon landing then it was obviously not stowed but partially deployed.  This means the pressure switches were not
    both open and the gear did start on its way down.  The pressure pulse stopped the pump and your
    module would not have helped


Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std


Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:59:09 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has started
up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to clarify,
let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28
PM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<“I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't….”>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy. 
That is redundancy defined as a true back-up to an otherwise
trouble-free system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the
gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn’t happen very often, but it
does happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems,
separate switches, separate wires and separate indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted
directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<“The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it
does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will
continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to
continue . .”>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly
turning off the pump.  Thus when
the pulse subsides, the pump doesn’t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the
wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this
happens, the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low
side pressure setting, the pump is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low
circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn’s photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised.  800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume gear pump will reduce
the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to absorb incoming
fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed in
a location visible to the pilot. 
The state of the system can always be verified.  One can immediately diagnose any
in-flight problem.  Leaks can be
caught early.  And adjusting
pressure settings is no longer guess work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: John Barrett <2thman1 [at] gmail.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:04:12 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>
Marv, 

it's always most appreciated and informative to have free argument of opposing ideas even when the subject does not apply to my model of aircraft. When it turns to invective like this post, the value is lost and it starts to become a nuisance.

My  $.02
John Barrett
N31VP

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 28, 2014, at 7:59 AM, "Wolfgang" <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net

> wrote:

Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has started
up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to clarify,
let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28
PM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<“I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't….”>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy. 
That is redundancy defined as a true back-up to an otherwise
trouble-free system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the
gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn’t happen very often, but it
does happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems,
separate switches, separate wires and separate indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted
directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<“The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it
does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will
continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to
continue . .”>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly
turning off the pump.  Thus when
the pulse subsides, the pump doesn’t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the
wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this
happens, the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low
side pressure setting, the pump is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low
circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn’s photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised.  800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume gear pump will reduce
the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to absorb incoming
fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed in
a location visible to the pilot. 
The state of the system can always be verified.  One can immediately diagnose any
in-flight problem.  Leaks can be
caught early.  And adjusting
pressure settings is no longer guess work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std

Gear Down...INOP

From: Kevin Stallard <kevin [at] arilabs.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:09:32 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang,



I am surprised that you remain unconvinced.  Chris' analysis on this topic has been the most thorough and careful analysis I've encountered.  He doesn't just look at the outside symptoms of the problem, but also delves into aspects of the pump and its design (the number of different configurations and variations available) that I never even considered previously.



I thought it was just a pump, I had no idea that the inner workings had such an impact on how the system operated until he took the time to take me through it all.  



I have had the opportunity to work directly with Chris in a professional setting, I have not encountered a more keen understanding of how things work and what questions to ask when things go wrong than that of Mr. Zavatson.  He has been able to point out errors in my thinking and how I look at problems in a way that has been very beneficial to me.  



These remarks that you have directed to him concern me greatly.  You aren't asking any questions, you aren't having a discussion, you aren't trying to reconcile the deficit of your understanding of these things, you are attacking him personally.  That's where you are losing me.



I'm starting to believe that the  results of someone following your advice and using your system could have dangerous if not life threatening consequences.  



I think what I would like to see from you is a bit more effort to reconcile your the observations Chris has replicated numerous times on the bench and in the air.  This is what I'm used to seeing when good willed scientists and engineers disagree.



I have observed Chris quickly change course if evidence is presented that refutes his conclusions.  He is not concerned with being right, he is concerned with what is right, constantly rechecking and questioning his own results..  I think you are a very smart and capable individual and we would all benefit if you adopted these same principles.



Thank you,

Kevin Stallard

N969RJ  150 hrs and counting!

________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Wolfgang [Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net]

Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 5:59 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP



Chris,



I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has started up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to clarify, let alone demonstrated.



I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor yourself.



Wolfgang



----- Original Message -----

From: Chris Zavatson<chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com (mailto:)

>

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net<lml [at] lancaironline.net (mailto:)

>

Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28 PM

Subject: Gear Down...INOP



Wolfgang,



<<“I believe in redundancy and it looks like you don't….”>>



I am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy defined as a true back-up to an otherwise trouble-free system.



First, I have redundant switches to power the pump solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360.



I also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems, separate switches, separate wires and separate indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted directly on the over-center links.



I even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case



<<“The pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to continue . .”>>



The part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly turning off the pump.  Thus when the pulse subsides, the pump doesn’t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the wrong direction -against the pump flow.  This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a second earlier.  When this happens, the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low side pressure setting, the pump is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn’s photo.



To prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised.  800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume gear pump will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.



I highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed in a location visible to the pilot.  The state of the system can always be verified.  One can immediately diagnose any in-flight problem.  Leaks can be caught early.  And adjusting pressure settings is no longer guess work.

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

www.N91CZ.net

Gear Down...INOP

From: Doug Baleshta <DBaleshta [at] tru.ca>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:37:09 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

I have also worked with Chris on several items on my project for the past years.  He is honest, diligent and his research skills are exemplary.  As Kevin mentions, he strives to find the correct answer through his research and discussions with other pilots.

There is no need to malign people on this list.



Doug



-----Original Message-----

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net (mailto:)

] On Behalf Of Kevin Stallard

Sent: April-28-14 9:10 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP



Wolfgang,



I am surprised that you remain unconvinced.  Chris' analysis on this topic has been the most thorough and careful analysis I've encountered.  He doesn't just look at the outside symptoms of the problem, but also delves into aspects of the pump and its design (the number of different configurations and variations available) that I never even considered previously.



I thought it was just a pump, I had no idea that the inner workings had such an impact on how the system operated until he took the time to take me through it all.  



I have had the opportunity to work directly with Chris in a professional setting, I have not encountered a more keen understanding of how things work and what questions to ask when things go wrong than that of Mr. Zavatson.  He has been able to point out errors in my thinking and how I look at problems in a way that has been very beneficial to me.  



These remarks that you have directed to him concern me greatly.  You aren't asking any questions, you aren't having a discussion, you aren't trying to reconcile the deficit of your understanding of these things, you are attacking him personally.  That's where you are losing me.



I'm starting to believe that the  results of someone following your advice and using your system could have dangerous if not life threatening consequences.  



I think what I would like to see from you is a bit more effort to reconcile your the observations Chris has replicated numerous times on the bench and in the air.  This is what I'm used to seeing when good willed scientists and engineers disagree.



I have observed Chris quickly change course if evidence is presented that refutes his conclusions.  He is not concerned with being right, he is concerned with what is right, constantly rechecking and questioning his own results..  I think you are a very smart and capable individual and we would all benefit if you adopted these same principles.



Thank you,

Kevin Stallard

N969RJ  150 hrs and counting!

________________________________________

From: Lancair Mailing List [lml [at] lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Wolfgang [Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net]

Sent: Monday, April 28, 2014 5:59 AM

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Subject: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP



Chris,



I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has started up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to clarify, let alone demonstrated.



I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor yourself.



Wolfgang



----- Original Message -----

From: Chris Zavatson<chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com (mailto:)

>

To: lml [at] lancaironline.net<lml [at] lancaironline.net (mailto:)

>

Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28 PM

Subject: Gear Down...INOP



Wolfgang,



<<"I believe in redundancy and it looks like you don't....">>



I am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy defined as a true back-up to an otherwise trouble-free system.



First, I have redundant switches to power the pump solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360.



I also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems, separate switches, separate wires and separate indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted directly on the over-center links.



I even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case



<<"The pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to continue . .">>



The part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly turning off the pump.  Thus when the pulse subsides, the pump doesn't just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the wrong direction -against the pump flow.  This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a second earlier.  When this happens, the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low side pressure setting, the pump is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn's photo.



To prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised.  800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume gear pump will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.



I highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed in a location visible to the pilot.  The state of the system can always be verified.  One can immediately diagnose any in-flight problem.  Leaks can be caught early.  And adjusting pressure settings is no longer guess work.

Chris Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

www.N91CZ.net

--

For archives and unsub http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html

Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 05 May 2014 07:14:32 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang,

The concept I have trying to describe here and in my
hydraulics write-up is nothing new.  It
is however difficult, if not impossible, to identify without
instrumentation.  Most often this
phenomenon simply causes what is perceived as a hesitation during gear extension.  Sort of a quick Start-Stop-Start with the
gear continuing all the way down.  It
becomes quite clear what is happening if one looks at the system pressures when
gear-down is selected.  Analog gauges are
best for catching the interaction.  What
you’ll see is a pressure pulse just as the gear starts to fall.  The magnitude of the pulse is made greater by
a few factors: 

  1. Warm/hot hydraulic fluid (lower viscosity)
  2. Outback gear (adds gear down force)
  3. High-side pressure well above nominal (descending
    into significantly warmer air)
  4. Original, lower volume gear pump

When the landing gear is in the retracted position, it
stores a lot of potential energy.  This
is from the mass of the landing gear, the pressure on the high side circuit
and, with the outback gear, the aero loads trying to pull the gear down.

It is useful to look at Figures 9 and 10 in the hydraulics
write-up when trying understand the chain of events.
 

In Figure 9, you’ll see state of the pump while the gear is
retracted.  When beginning the extension
cycle, the pump builds up pressure behind the spool (right side) and pushes it
against the poppet valve on the left as seen in Figure 10.  Opening the high side poppet valve opens a
path for fluid from the high side circuit to return back to the pump.  It is not just the pump moving fluid
though.  All the stored energy in the
system is released and the falling gear, now also pushing fluid back to the
pump.  Given the fixed volume nature of
the gear pump, it can only absorb fluid at a certain rate.  If the gear pushes the fluid back faster than
the pump can absorb it, back pressure builds up in the high side circuit.  With enough back pressure the spool is pushed
back to the right.   As this happens, the
high side poppet starts to close off again. 
Pressure begins to rise and propagates backwards through the system.  As soon as the low side pressure rises above
the pressure switch set point, the pump is shuts down. 

Most of the time, the shut-down is momentary.  This is because the pump takes time to spool
down and it is still moving fluid as it does so.  At the same time, the falling gear is losing
energy.  If the pressure spike was small,
the pump side will win, the spool will again open the poppet all the way and
the gear comes down.  If the spike was
large, the pump will remain off and you will see equal pressure in the high and
low side, just like in Lorn’s photo. 
Pressure will be just above the set-point of the low side pressure
switch and the gear will be partially extended. 
Mitigation simply involves raising the low side pressure set-point so
that the pressure spike can no longer affect the switch and pump.

I really don’t expect you to be convinced.  I post these details for the benefit everyone.

For many years now, I have been publishing all kinds of reports,
studies, diagrams, maintenance guides and videos of Lancair systems is to
promote a better understanding and safe operation of the LNC2.  If I have made errors somewhere, please point
them out.  But don’t just say it is wrong
or that you don’t agree. Please provide some legitimate, logical reasoning, some
data or something that makes the point. 

To be honest, I found many of your posts to be a bit
worrisome.  They left me with the impression
you did not have a full understanding of the pump operating environment or its
operation.

For example, when discussing spool movement, you claimed the
pump could be subjected to 70 g’s.  The
actual environment is much more benign.  
Vibration peaks are more on the order of 0.1 G’s.  Below is a link to a vibration study that
looks at airframe vibration in different phases of flight.  The study was done while looking into an
engine isolator issue, but is a useful environmental baseline for anything
mounted to the structure.   

Another example was a question regarding the ball and spring
in the return line.  You had asked what
their purpose was.  This would normally a
very legitimate question.  My concern was
that you had already designed a circuit to alter pump operation without being
aware of or understanding the function of all the internal parts.

Innovation is a good thing, but on an aircraft the level of
required due diligence is quite high.

Lorn’s pump definitely had issues.  Mounting the pump behind the baggage bulkhead
is not ideal. It discourages good maintenance practices, just as it did in this
case.  Being unwilling to remove it from
the aircraft to investigate the internals because it was “so hard to get to”
simply makes it impossible to properly investigate a problem.  When I offered to examine the pump, the
response was that these airplanes were built to fly and two weeks of down-time
was too much of a burden.  That was
unfortunate.  Based on Lorn’s description of the pumps behavior I strongly suspected the root cause of its
problems would have been immediately obvious upon examination.  I have disassembled more pumps that I can
remember.  All were made to operate
normally once configured and adjusted correctly. 

Chris
Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

 

On Monday, April 28, 2014 4:59 AM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has started
up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to clarify,
let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
To: lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28
PM
Subject: Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<“I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't….”>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy. 
That is redundancy defined as a true back-up to an otherwise
trouble-free system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the
gear in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches.  It doesn’t happen very often, but it
does happen - twice in 17 years of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely separate systems,
separate switches, separate wires and separate indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted
directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<“The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it
does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder will
continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the pump to
continue . .”>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly
turning off the pump.  Thus when
the pulse subsides, the pump doesn’t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes the spool in the
wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this
happens, the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both sides reach the low
side pressure setting, the pump is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low
circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn’s photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised.  800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume gear pump will reduce
the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is able to absorb incoming
fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed in
a location visible to the pilot. 
The state of the system can always be verified.  One can immediately diagnose any
in-flight problem.  Leaks can be
caught early.  And adjusting
pressure settings is no longer guess work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std



Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Tue, 06 May 2014 12:38:22 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



Chris, you are clearly pationate about what you do
but I still say here you're not the only, let alone the final
answer.
 
I think it improper and do not appreciate you make
assumptions on what others have experienced without first hand knowledge (Lorn)
and what I have or not said in the past (You had asked what their purpose
was.)
 
As I have said before, you go to great lengths to
support yourself but give only passing support to the "other side". This is
"fair and balanced" ?
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear
Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
The concept I have
trying to describe here and in my hydraulics write-up is nothing new.  It is however difficult, if not
impossible, to identify without instrumentation.  Most often this phenomenon simply
causes what is perceived as a hesitation during gear extension.  Sort of a quick Start-Stop-Start with
the gear continuing all the way down.  It becomes quite clear what is
happening if one looks at the system pressures when gear-down is
selected.  Analog gauges are best
for catching the interaction. 
What you�ll see is a pressure pulse just as the gear starts to
fall.  The magnitude of the pulse
is made greater by a few factors: 
  1. Warm/hot hydraulic
    fluid (lower viscosity)
  2. Outback gear (adds
    gear down force)
  3. High-side pressure
    well above nominal (descending into significantly warmer air)
  4. Original, lower volume
    gear pump
When the landing gear is in the
retracted position, it stores a lot of potential energy.  This is from the mass of the landing
gear, the pressure on the high side circuit and, with the outback gear, the
aero loads trying to pull the gear down.
It
is useful to look at Figures 9 and 10 in the hydraulics write-up when trying
understand the chain of events.
 
In Figure 9,
you�ll see state of the pump while the gear is retracted.  When beginning the extension cycle,
the pump builds up pressure behind the spool (right side) and pushes it
against the poppet valve on the left as seen in Figure 10.  Opening the high side poppet valve
opens a path for fluid from the high side circuit to return back to the
pump.  It is not just the pump
moving fluid though.  All the
stored energy in the system is released and the falling gear, now also pushing
fluid back to the pump.  Given the
fixed volume nature of the gear pump, it can only absorb fluid at a certain
rate.  If the gear pushes the
fluid back faster than the pump can absorb it, back pressure builds up in the
high side circuit.  With enough
back pressure the spool is pushed back to the right.   As this happens, the high side
poppet starts to close off again. 
Pressure begins to rise and propagates backwards through the
system.  As soon as the low side
pressure rises above the pressure switch set point, the pump is shuts
down. 
Most of the time, the shut-down
is momentary.  This is because the
pump takes time to spool down and it is still moving fluid as it does so.  At the same time, the falling gear is
losing energy.  If the pressure
spike was small, the pump side will win, the spool will again open the poppet
all the way and the gear comes down. 
If the spike was large, the pump will remain off and you will see equal
pressure in the high and low side, just like in Lorn�s photo.  Pressure will be just above the
set-point of the low side pressure switch and the gear will be partially
extended.  Mitigation simply
involves raising the low side pressure set-point so that the pressure spike
can no longer affect the switch and pump.
I really don�t expect you to be
convinced.  I post these details
for the benefit everyone.
For many years
now, I have been publishing all kinds of reports, studies, diagrams,
maintenance guides and videos of Lancair systems is to promote a better
understanding and safe operation of the LNC2.  If I have made errors somewhere,
please point them out.  But don�t
just say it is wrong or that you don�t agree. Please provide some legitimate,
logical reasoning, some data or something that makes the point. 
To be honest, I found many of
your posts to be a bit worrisome. 
They left me with the impression you did not have a full understanding
of the pump operating environment or its operation.
For example, when
discussing spool movement, you claimed the pump could be subjected to 70 g�s.
 The actual environment is much
more benign.   Vibration
peaks are more on the order of 0.1 G�s. 
Below is a link to a vibration study that looks at airframe vibration
in different phases of flight. 
The study was done while looking into an engine isolator issue, but is
a useful environmental baseline for anything mounted to the structure.   
Another example was a question
regarding the ball and spring in the return line.  You had asked what their purpose
was.  This would normally a very
legitimate question.  My concern
was that you had already designed a circuit to alter pump operation without
being aware of or understanding the function of all the internal parts.
Innovation is a good thing, but
on an aircraft the level of required due diligence is quite high.
Lorn�s pump
definitely had issues.  Mounting
the pump behind the baggage bulkhead is not ideal. It discourages good
maintenance practices, just as it did in this case.  Being unwilling to remove it from the
aircraft to investigate the internals because it was �so hard to get to�
simply makes it impossible to properly investigate a problem.  When I offered to examine the pump,
the response was that these airplanes were built to fly and two weeks of
down-time was too much of a burden. 
That was unfortunate.  Based on
Lorn�s description of the pumps behavior I strongly suspected the root
cause of its problems would have been immediately obvious upon
examination.  I have disassembled
more pumps that I can remember. 
All were made to operate normally once configured and adjusted
correctly. 
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std
 

On Monday, April 28, 2014 4:59 AM,
Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has
started up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to
clarify, let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
-----
Original Message -----
To:
lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent:
Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28 PM
Subject:
Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<�I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't�.�>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy
defined as a true back-up to an otherwise trouble-free
system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump
solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the gear in
case of the failure of either of the pressure switches. 
It doesn�t happen very often, but it does happen - twice in 17 years
of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely
separate systems, separate switches, separate wires and separate
indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted
directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<�The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it
does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder
will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the
pump to continue . .�>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly
turning off the pump.  Thus when the pulse subsides, the
pump doesn�t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes
the spool in the wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this happens, the high side begins
to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both
sides reach the low side pressure setting, the pump is turned
off.  This is why you see both high and low circuits
pressurized to the same value in Lorn�s photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised. 
800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume
gear pump will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is
able to absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed
in a location visible to the pilot.  The state of the
system can always be verified.  One can immediately
diagnose any in-flight problem.  Leaks can be caught
early.  And adjusting pressure settings is no longer guess
work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std



Gear Down...INOP

From: Chris Zavatson <chris_zavatson [at] yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Fri, 09 May 2014 07:54:08 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

Wolfgang,

I believe the exact words were:

“I see the centering springs but what about the
added spring, eyelet and ball? Where does that fit into the schematic?”
”

And

“Still, that port with the added spring,
I believe it's a return port for excess hydraulic fluid that can be used with a
three port dump valve.

. . . but
why the spring if it's plugged anyway?”

I interpreted that to mean you did not
understand the purpose of the ball and spring and were unsure of the purpose of
the third port that houses them.  Please
correct me if I misunderstood your questions.

I support only logic.  I base my statements on repeatable, demonstrated
facts and sound logic.  I then apply them
to reported observations to help explain anomalies and trouble shoot systems.  I am quite willing to discuss any aspects of
hydraulics with you, but no technical counter arguments have been forthcoming.

Without intending any disrespect, observations
in the absence of key data can easily lead to incorrect hypotheses.  For example, the early theories about how
pressure would migrate from the high side to the low side “due to low
temperatures”; or assuming the state of pressure switches without actually having
any way to monitor them; or assuming 70g vibration levels at the pump; or not knowing
the exact configuration of a pump that is behaving oddly.  Without good data, it is inevitable that
incorrect conclusions will be drawn, no matter how good the intentions of the
observer.

Chris
Zavatson

N91CZ

360std

“passionate
not pationate”

On Tuesday, May 6, 2014 9:21 AM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris, you are clearly pationate about what you do
but I still say here you're not the only, let alone the final
answer.
 
I think it improper and do not appreciate you make
assumptions on what others have experienced without first hand knowledge (Lorn)
and what I have or not said in the past (You had asked what their purpose
was.)
 
As I have said before, you go to great lengths to
support yourself but give only passing support to the "other side". This is
"fair and balanced" ?
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2014 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear
Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
The concept I have
trying to describe here and in my hydraulics write-up is nothing new.  It is however difficult, if not
impossible, to identify without instrumentation.  Most often this phenomenon simply
causes what is perceived as a hesitation during gear extension.  Sort of a quick Start-Stop-Start with
the gear continuing all the way down.  It becomes quite clear what is
happening if one looks at the system pressures when gear-down is
selected.  Analog gauges are best
for catching the interaction. 
What you�ll see is a pressure pulse just as the gear starts to
fall.  The magnitude of the pulse
is made greater by a few factors: 
  1. Warm/hot hydraulic
    fluid (lower viscosity)
  2. Outback gear (adds
    gear down force)
  3. High-side pressure
    well above nominal (descending into significantly warmer air)
  4. Original, lower volume
    gear pump
When the landing gear is in the
retracted position, it stores a lot of potential energy.  This is from the mass of the landing
gear, the pressure on the high side circuit and, with the outback gear, the
aero loads trying to pull the gear down.
It
is useful to look at Figures 9 and 10 in the hydraulics write-up when trying
understand the chain of events.
 
In Figure 9,
you�ll see state of the pump while the gear is retracted.  When beginning the extension cycle,
the pump builds up pressure behind the spool (right side) and pushes it
against the poppet valve on the left as seen in Figure 10.  Opening the high side poppet valve
opens a path for fluid from the high side circuit to return back to the
pump.  It is not just the pump
moving fluid though.  All the
stored energy in the system is released and the falling gear, now also pushing
fluid back to the pump.  Given the
fixed volume nature of the gear pump, it can only absorb fluid at a certain
rate.  If the gear pushes the
fluid back faster than the pump can absorb it, back pressure builds up in the
high side circuit.  With enough
back pressure the spool is pushed back to the right.   As this happens, the high side
poppet starts to close off again. 
Pressure begins to rise and propagates backwards through the
system.  As soon as the low side
pressure rises above the pressure switch set point, the pump is shuts
down. 
Most of the time, the shut-down
is momentary.  This is because the
pump takes time to spool down and it is still moving fluid as it does so.  At the same time, the falling gear is
losing energy.  If the pressure
spike was small, the pump side will win, the spool will again open the poppet
all the way and the gear comes down. 
If the spike was large, the pump will remain off and you will see equal
pressure in the high and low side, just like in Lorn�s photo.  Pressure will be just above the
set-point of the low side pressure switch and the gear will be partially
extended.  Mitigation simply
involves raising the low side pressure set-point so that the pressure spike
can no longer affect the switch and pump.
I really don�t expect you to be
convinced.  I post these details
for the benefit everyone.
For many years
now, I have been publishing all kinds of reports, studies, diagrams,
maintenance guides and videos of Lancair systems is to promote a better
understanding and safe operation of the LNC2.  If I have made errors somewhere,
please point them out.  But don�t
just say it is wrong or that you don�t agree. Please provide some legitimate,
logical reasoning, some data or something that makes the point. 
To be honest, I found many of
your posts to be a bit worrisome. 
They left me with the impression you did not have a full understanding
of the pump operating environment or its operation.
For example, when
discussing spool movement, you claimed the pump could be subjected to 70 g�s.
 The actual environment is much
more benign.   Vibration
peaks are more on the order of 0.1 G�s. 
Below is a link to a vibration study that looks at airframe vibration
in different phases of flight. 
The study was done while looking into an engine isolator issue, but is
a useful environmental baseline for anything mounted to the structure.   
Another example was a question
regarding the ball and spring in the return line.  You had asked what their purpose
was.  This would normally a very
legitimate question.  My concern
was that you had already designed a circuit to alter pump operation without
being aware of or understanding the function of all the internal parts.
Innovation is a good thing, but
on an aircraft the level of required due diligence is quite high.
Lorn�s pump
definitely had issues.  Mounting
the pump behind the baggage bulkhead is not ideal. It discourages good
maintenance practices, just as it did in this case.  Being unwilling to remove it from the
aircraft to investigate the internals because it was �so hard to get to�
simply makes it impossible to properly investigate a problem.  When I offered to examine the pump,
the response was that these airplanes were built to fly and two weeks of
down-time was too much of a burden. 
That was unfortunate.  Based on
Lorn�s description of the pumps behavior I strongly suspected the root
cause of its problems would have been immediately obvious upon
examination.  I have disassembled
more pumps that I can remember. 
All were made to operate normally once configured and adjusted
correctly. 
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std
 

On Monday, April 28, 2014 4:59 AM,
Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has
started up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet to
clarify, let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
-----
Original Message -----
To:
lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent:
Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28 PM
Subject:
Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<�I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't�.�>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy
defined as a true back-up to an otherwise trouble-free
system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump
solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the gear in
case of the failure of either of the pressure switches. 
It doesn�t happen very often, but it does happen - twice in 17 years
of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two completely
separate systems, separate switches, separate wires and separate
indicators.  The second set of switches is mounted
directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<�The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as it
does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the cylinder
will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and enable the
pump to continue . .�>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not directly
turning off the pump.  Thus when the pulse subsides, the
pump doesn�t just spring back to life.  The pulse pushes
the spool in the wrong direction -against the pump flow. 
This locks the poppet that the pump just opened up a fraction of a
second earlier.  When this happens, the high side begins
to pressurize along with the low side.  As soon as both
sides reach the low side pressure setting, the pump is turned
off.  This is why you see both high and low circuits
pressurized to the same value in Lorn�s photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised. 
800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume
gear pump will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump is
able to absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be installed
in a location visible to the pilot.  The state of the
system can always be verified.  One can immediately
diagnose any in-flight problem.  Leaks can be caught
early.  And adjusting pressure settings is no longer guess
work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std





Gear Down...INOP

From: Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP
Date: Mon, 12 May 2014 07:54:12 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>



I'm detecting some OCD going on here . . . let it
go already.
 
If you MUST have the last word . . . then take it .
. . I'm done.
 
Wolfgang
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2014 7:54 AM
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Gear
Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
I believe the exact words were:
“I see
the centering springs but what about the added spring, eyelet and ball? Where
does that fit into the schematic?”
”
And
“Still,
that port with the added spring, I believe it's a return port for excess
hydraulic fluid that can be used with a three port dump
valve.
. . . but why the spring if it's plugged
anyway?”
I interpreted that to mean you did not understand the
purpose of the ball and spring and were unsure of the purpose of the third
port that houses them.  Please
correct me if I misunderstood your questions.
I support only logic.  I base my statements on repeatable,
demonstrated facts and sound logic. 
I then apply them to reported observations to help explain anomalies
and trouble shoot systems.  I am
quite willing to discuss any aspects of hydraulics with you, but no technical
counter arguments have been forthcoming.
Without intending any disrespect, observations in the
absence of key data can easily lead to incorrect hypotheses.  For example, the early theories about
how pressure would migrate from the high side to the low side “due to low
temperatures”; or assuming the state of pressure switches without actually
having any way to monitor them; or assuming 70g vibration levels at the pump;
or not knowing the exact configuration of a pump that is behaving oddly.  Without good data, it is inevitable
that incorrect conclusions will be drawn, no matter how good the intentions of
the observer.
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std
“passionate not pationate”

On Tuesday, May 6, 2014 9:21 AM, Wolfgang
<Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris, you are clearly pationate about what you
do but I still say here you're not the only, let alone the final
answer.
 
I think it improper and do not appreciate you
make assumptions on what others have experienced without first hand knowledge
(Lorn) and what I have or not said in the past (You had asked what their
purpose was.)
 
As I have said before, you go to great lengths to
support yourself but give only passing support to the "other side". This is
"fair and balanced" ?
 
Wolfgang
 
-----
Original Message -----
Sent:
Monday, May 05, 2014 7:14 AM
Subject:
Re: [LML] Re: Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,
The concept I
have trying to describe here and in my hydraulics write-up is nothing
new.  It is however difficult, if not impossible, to
identify without instrumentation.  Most often this
phenomenon simply causes what is perceived as a hesitation during gear
extension.  Sort of a quick Start-Stop-Start with the gear
continuing all the way down.  It becomes quite clear what
is happening if one looks at the system pressures when gear-down is
selected.  Analog gauges are best for catching the
interaction.  What you�ll see is a pressure pulse just as
the gear starts to fall.  The magnitude of the pulse is
made greater by a few factors: 
  1. Warm/hot hydraulic
    fluid (lower viscosity)
  2. Outback gear (adds
    gear down force)
  3. High-side pressure
    well above nominal (descending into significantly warmer air)
  4. Original, lower
    volume gear pump
When the landing gear is in
the retracted position, it stores a lot of potential energy. 
This is from the mass of the landing gear, the pressure on the high
side circuit and, with the outback gear, the aero loads trying to pull the
gear down.
It
is useful to look at Figures 9 and 10 in the hydraulics write-up when trying
understand the chain of events.
 
In Figure 9,
you�ll see state of the pump while the gear is retracted. 
When beginning the extension cycle, the pump builds up pressure
behind the spool (right side) and pushes it against the poppet valve on the
left as seen in Figure 10.  Opening the high side poppet
valve opens a path for fluid from the high side circuit to return back to
the pump.  It is not just the pump moving fluid
though.  All the stored energy in the system is released
and the falling gear, now also pushing fluid back to the pump. 
Given the fixed volume nature of the gear pump, it can only absorb
fluid at a certain rate.  If the gear pushes the fluid
back faster than the pump can absorb it, back pressure builds up in the high
side circuit.  With enough back pressure the spool is
pushed back to the right.   As this happens, the high
side poppet starts to close off again.  Pressure begins to
rise and propagates backwards through the system.  As soon
as the low side pressure rises above the pressure switch set point, the pump
is shuts down. 
Most of the time, the
shut-down is momentary.  This is because the pump takes
time to spool down and it is still moving fluid as it does so. 
At the same time, the falling gear is losing energy. 
If the pressure spike was small, the pump side will win, the spool
will again open the poppet all the way and the gear comes down. 
If the spike was large, the pump will remain off and you will see
equal pressure in the high and low side, just like in Lorn�s
photo.  Pressure will be just above the set-point of the
low side pressure switch and the gear will be partially
extended.  Mitigation simply involves raising the low side
pressure set-point so that the pressure spike can no longer affect the
switch and pump.
I really don�t expect you to
be convinced.  I post these details for the benefit
everyone.
For many years
now, I have been publishing all kinds of reports, studies, diagrams,
maintenance guides and videos of Lancair systems is to promote a better
understanding and safe operation of the LNC2.  If I have
made errors somewhere, please point them out.  But don�t
just say it is wrong or that you don�t agree. Please provide some
legitimate, logical reasoning, some data or something that makes the
point. 
To be honest, I found many of
your posts to be a bit worrisome.  They left me with the
impression you did not have a full understanding of the pump operating
environment or its operation.
For example,
when discussing spool movement, you claimed the pump could be subjected to
70 g�s.  The actual environment is much more
benign.   Vibration peaks are more on the order of
0.1 G�s.  Below is a link to a vibration study that looks
at airframe vibration in different phases of flight.  The
study was done while looking into an engine isolator issue, but is a useful
environmental baseline for anything mounted to the
structure.   
Another example was a
question regarding the ball and spring in the return line. 
You had asked what their purpose was.  This would
normally a very legitimate question.  My concern was that
you had already designed a circuit to alter pump operation without being
aware of or understanding the function of all the internal parts.
Innovation is a good thing,
but on an aircraft the level of required due diligence is quite
high.
Lorn�s pump
definitely had issues.  Mounting the pump behind the
baggage bulkhead is not ideal. It discourages good maintenance practices,
just as it did in this case.  Being unwilling to remove it
from the aircraft to investigate the internals because it was �so hard to
get to� simply makes it impossible to properly investigate a
problem.  When I offered to examine the pump, the response
was that these airplanes were built to fly and two weeks of down-time was
too much of a burden.  That was unfortunate. 
Based on
Lorn�s description of the pumps behavior I strongly
suspected the root cause of its problems would have been immediately obvious
upon examination.  I have disassembled more pumps that I
can remember.  All were made to operate normally once
configured and adjusted correctly. 
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
360std
 

On Monday, April 28, 2014 4:59 AM,
Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net> wrote:
Chris,
 
I remain unconvinced with your theory. You have
suggested that the pump will somehow shut down immediately after it has
started up due to some pressure pulse. The mechanisim of which you have yet
to clarify, let alone demonstrated.
 
I'm tired of your kibitzing and since you have
proven that you can't let it go, I will and leave you to humor
yourself.
 
Wolfgang
 
-----
Original Message -----
To:
lml [at] lancaironline.net

Sent:
Saturday, April 26, 2014 1:28 PM
Subject:
Gear Down...INOP

Wolfgang,

<<�I
believe in redundancy and it looks like you
don't�.�>>

I
am a big proponent of redundancy.  That is redundancy
defined as a true back-up to an otherwise trouble-free
system.

First, I have redundant switches to power the pump
solenoids.  This allows me to raise and lower the gear
in case of the failure of either of the pressure switches. 
It doesn�t happen very often, but it does happen - twice in 17
years of flying my 360. 

I
also have redundant gear down indications.  Two
completely separate systems, separate switches, separate wires and
separate indicators.  The second set of switches is
mounted directly on the over-center links.

I
even carry two iPads and a iPhone - just in case

<<�The
pressure pulse you're talking about will subside (glad you agree) and as
it does, because the cylinder is only partially extended, the
cylinder will continues to extend, the low switch will close again, and
enable the pump to continue . .�>>

The
part you seem to be missing here is that the momentary pulse is not
directly turning off the pump.  Thus when the pulse
subsides, the pump doesn�t just spring back to life. 
The pulse pushes the spool in the wrong direction -against the pump
flow.  This locks the poppet that the pump just opened
up a fraction of a second earlier.  When this happens,
the high side begins to pressurize along with the low side. 
As soon as both sides reach the low side pressure setting, the pump
is turned off.  This is why you see both high and low
circuits pressurized to the same value in Lorn�s
photo.

To
prevent this, the low side pressure settings should be raised. 
800 psi has proven sufficient.  The high volume
gear pump will reduce the size of the pulse since the higher volume pump
is able to absorb incoming fluid at a higher rate.

I
highly recommend pressure gauges for both high and low circuit be
installed in a location visible to the pilot.  The state
of the system can always be verified.  One can
immediately diagnose any in-flight problem.  Leaks can
be caught early.  And adjusting pressure settings is no
longer guess work.
Chris
Zavatson
N91CZ
360std





Gear Down...INOP

From: Kevin Stallard <kevin [at] arilabs.net>
Sender: <marv [at] lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Gear Down...INOP
Date: Sat, 17 May 2014 11:41:25 -0400
To: <lml [at] lancaironline.net>

This is too important of an issue to just let it go with accusations of OCD.


I'm proud to be OCD about my airplane and hydraulic system.  So is my insurance company.



On May 12, 2014, at 5:54 AM, Wolfgang <Wolfgang [at] MiCom.net

> wrote:



I'm detecting some OCD going on here . . . let it
go already.
 
If you MUST have the last word . . . then take it .
. . I'm done.
 
Wolfgang