Posted Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 05:34 PM
Hi Clive
There are one or two things to look for. First, make sure the wing fold drag links are secure, they are the rear folding locks with the small pins. It's quite unusual, but it has been known for the wooden mounting blocks inside the wing to become detached. The metal lugs are bolted througth the end ribs and repair means opening up the wing. Not difficult for a wood specialist to fix but it would cost a bit. There should be no play in the main wing locking pins either - try moving the wing tips up and down. You can live with slight play but it would really need repair and any play gets progressively worse. Oversize pins can be fitted if you can get them or have them made.
CHeck the compressions, this should be obvious by pulling the prop through. VW engines seem to continue to run with almost no compression, but it usually means the valves need regrinding/recutting, or it could be valve adjustment. It's not a big job, taking the heads off is quite straighforward, and it happens quite regularly, typically 150-250 hours, particularly if avgas is used - the valve gaps close up. Mine went for 350 hours since replacing the heads so I think I did well. I realised there was a problem when we had an 'interesting' takeoff from a high altitude airfield and a differential compression check showed two cylinders way down - we recut the seats. The rate of climb is not exactly sparkling anyway, but the cruise is very relaxed at 90mph.
The undercarriage gas struts don't last for ever. If the angle between the main UC leg and the trailing link is less than 90 degrees (aircraft parked and empty) they are getting to the end of their life.
I don't think there are any really major problem areas, just things that need a bit of maintenance.
Best of luck.
Mike
[Edit by Mike-RM on Friday, January 13, 2012 @ 05:24 PM]
