Question about treating struts after testing

[M Towsley]

Hey all,

I am familiar with the issues of linseed oil and care in disposing of rags, etc. But, how do you safely warm the linseed oil and how do you inject it in the main struts? The rear ones have a nice big area to inject it in, but the mains are kind of tight for an opening. I appreciate the tips you guys have already learned and would like the details. Thanks!

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

When folks ay use "boiled Linseed oil "they are refering to the type of Linseed oil. It is calld: Boiled Linseed Oil. I suppose warming it would help the metal to expand and perhaps "take in more oil for a better seal. IF that is the case then just warm the strut. Not sure how you get it in without some sort of small hole. I just would not go drilling any strut to do this !

[M Towsley]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Jim,

The AD indicates to use warm linseed oil, I would assume to help it spread when you slosh it.

The aft struts have a large hole at the top. The forward struts have a small area at the top, no drilling required.

[3Dreaming]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Marty, you can go through the bolt holes at the top of the main struts. Use something like a turkey baster.

[M Towsley]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Thanks, Tom. What are your thoughts on safely warming up the linseed oil?

[cvavon]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Marty use a hot plate or a electric stove put oil in a clean metal coffee can on low heat till it gets thinner then put it in struts it worked for me

[M Towsley]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Thanks, Chuck. You just named three things I don't have!

[cvavon]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Marty I have three tool boxes so full that it's hard to close the drawers and still need more tools to work on things

[M Towsley]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Oh, I have tools. I just don't have any electric hotplates or stove, nor any coffee cans. Don't drink coffee...

[astjp2]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

hair dryer/heat gun

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Anything that doesn't have an open flame. ;-)
Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Yup, have those. Not a torch, then, Hank? hahaha

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

The oil needs to be hotn but NOT cook french fry hot! Just hot enough to flow easy. If you spill it on your skin you should want to get it off RIGHT NOW, but not hot enough to blister you. A little hotter than shaving water hot.
You pour it in, slosh it around (plug up the holes and rock them back and forth while rotating them) then stand them up with the open end down in a pan to drain. They will drip for what seems like forever, and paint won't stick to the oil coated area. Paint them first. The weep hole at the base of the strut will drip for weeks, and drip a little more on a hot day.
Hank

[woodmw]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Marty,

Based on the temperature my sister says it's been over in Bement, just pour some in an old pot and set it out on the sidewalk or asphalt drive for a few hours.

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Question about treating struts after testing

Marty you beat me to it. Put the oil in on of those plastic black quart oil cans and set in the sun for a few hours before use. Now you guys in AK will have to get inventive. However a pot of water on an open fire with the bottle of oil sitting in the water will work too just more work. Like a double boiler, your wife may have one she dosen't use anymore.
L