Ok so here I am and I just grounded my twinkie

[cgbiggs]

While looking very carefully over my landing gear I find a zerk that no one has squirted in 3 years (when the plane was painted) as it is covered with paint. Of course it's one hidden up inside on the overcenter linkage. Lots of paint (by spray and brush) on the links ,etc. So, I'm putting it on the ground till I take it apart, clean, repaint properly and relube. In carefully looking up into my nose gear well, I see both door rods slightly bent near the ends and the rod ends are dry and tight, so untill I do the same here and rerig everything I'm not flying it. Gad, I hate following up behind poor mechanics. I'm learning more every day about COMANCHES. Still think I got an OK deal, it's just that I'm VERY picky. Break out the jacks!

[N3322G]

Cliff,

Thank you for being so particular - you know it will be worth it when you're airborne again.

Thought you'd like to know at least one person thinks you are really smart.

[cgbiggs]

Thanks Pat! I've always been picky on maint. In fact one time I was flying 737s for a small airline and I would draw the line on stuff more than most and the Dir of Ops said I was the last A&P he'd ever hire as a pilot. I wasn't unreasonable, I just wanted it right and being as how I started out of A&P school as a mech for Continental back in the 60s, I basically knew what I was talking about.

[steen]

I agree with Pat.
The zerk fittings on the Twinkie gear....probably the singles too....are for the most part easy to get to, but there are two on each main that
really require acess with the gear at mid-travel. I would bet many Comanches would be found with no grease in these fittings.
Congrrats on your vigilance.
Steen

[Matt Bogard]

Steen,

Can you post a picture of these zerks you speak of? I wan to be sure I look at mine!

[steen]

Matt,
Thought I might have pics but can't find them and vaguely recall that I might have sent them to a new Twinkie owner many years ago. Not sure.
But, the good news. Next time you have the bird up on jacks run the gear electrically and stop it in mid-range by shutting off the master and crawl
under for a good look. It's the way to learn....see for yourself....count the zerks or better yet grease them yourself.
They aren't just fun to fly but also enjoyable to work on, especially going by the book and lubing everything from the gear to the internal control cable
pulleys.....you really get a tour of the plane and it's not difficult.
Steen