electric flap cable tension on PA24-250

[Thomas L Henry]

While doing the annual inspection on my comanche 250 (SN#3486) decided to change out the electric motor due to age and noise issues. notice L/H flap cable is loose and held in place by a return spring. Checked parts and service manuals about the difference in cables from the the left side verses right hand flap cable tension. The only guide piper manual gives is a 3/4 dowl to take up cable tension on both cables. Just curious if anyone has seen this problem? or layout before and the reason for the spring on only the L/H cable and no details in the service manual about this setup, THANKS..................TOM HENRY (N8447P) 1964 -250

[Ojars Balodis]

Hi Thomas,
I am not a mechanic, but reassembled a 24-260 ex Usa a few years ago.
The electric flap system has a mechanical lock on one side at the wing root which enables the flap to stay
locked up so that you can step on it while getting in or out without the flap collapsing.
I am pretty sure the slack you have found is necessary to enable the tight side to release this locking system
before both flaps start to move together. Someone else may correct me or have a better explanation.
Regards,
Ojars

[Thomas L Henry]

THANKS FOR THE PROMPT ANSWER. IT DOES MAKE SENSE ABOUT THE UPLOCK ON THE R/H FLAP WOULD CHANGE THE CABLE TENSION ON THE TOTAL SYSTEM, TOM