turn and bank indicator repair

[N63045]

My turn and bank indicator does not work.....actually it has not worked in the many years that I have owned the airplane. I am told that you can hear the instrument spinning from the vaccumn, but I would not know because I have not heard anything in the high frequency range since 1967.

I would consider having the unit repaired if it could be done so at a reasonable price, or replace it with a working unit of the correct age (1942 aircraft). Does anyone know who can do that repair?

Thanks

[PA1195]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

You might try some tests before overhaul or have your mechanic do them. If it's vacuum driven make sure the venturi and plumbing are leak-free (shows positive air flow from the instrument to and through the venturi). Make sure the round inlet air filter normally attached to the T&B isn't clogged with debris, same for the air nozzle below inside. They can sometimes be cleaned or replaced. There's normally an oil application hole cover on one side. A couple drops of light oil on the small internal bearing shaft hole can sometimes free them up. You can either by mouth blow into the filter inlet or suck on the outlet to the venturi to get the gyro bearings to turn, if they will.

Best to have it repaired if possible depending upon your comfort with any maintenance. Trade-A-Plane lists several overhaul shops and sometimes rates. Or just do an Internet search for instrument repair shops.

Gary

[astjp2]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

Most of the problems on Gyro's is the rubber hoses break down on the inside which gets trapped inside it and messes it up. Pull the gyro and send it to an instrument shop, replace all of the hoses and get the vacuum filter changed.

[PA1195]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

Yes send the instrument off unless you'd like to examine it and the plumbing to learn something. I've had more problems with clogged venturis due to bugs and plumbing debris, plus cockpit-sourced water vapor>ice in winter and plugged vacuum filters, than internals that a shop has to deal with. The filters can be bought, replaced, or cleaned if necessary. The best plumbing now is synthetic tubing that doesn't shed rubber. A couple drops of Mil-spec instrument oil and a clean filter will keep them running for quite some time.

Gary

[Mark Julicher]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

rudyaircraftinstruments.com

These people in Rudy Arkansas can probably repair it.
They have quick turn around and fair prices.
Call them and tell them what you have.
Double box your instrument for shipping.

[N63045]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

Thanks for the replies. I will take a look at the simple issues and see if I can get it going without sending it to a shop. I have not had any real need for the instrument to work for the last 15 years, so I don't see any need for it now. It would be nice however to have everything working right. It may well be something simple.

[skip]

Re: turn and bank indicator repair

... I have not had any real need for the instrument to work for the last 15 years, so I don't see any need for it now. .

I have a C-85 and an electric T&B. I have practiced/flown the T-craft under the hood for 20-30 minutes at a time with an appropriate instructor/safety-pilot. It is really nice to know that if I blundered into a cloud I wouldn't turn oily-side up within the first minute or so. I am instrument rated and It is standard partial panel needle-ball-airspeed and I really like having that safety net. FAA statistics claim that the flight time of a non-instrument pilot non-instrument airplane in the soup is on the order of a minute or so! It only takes one time needing to get home, a bit of fog on takeoff, a attempted turn back to the airport...

The T&B is a good thing to have that one time that you really need it. Good luck getting it working!