Bungees life and general maintenance questions

[btbell]

Hello eveyone,

I am new to the T-craft world having just purchased a BC12D in October last year. I have flown her about 35-40 hours since the fall. I had a couple of questions that I wanted to get your opinons on.

1. Bungee life - My bungees on the right side seem to be soft and probably need to be replaced. It has been a while since they have been changed and I am going to replace them. I would like to fly until I can get them replaced as long as I can determine it is safe. Where do you order them from? What is the best way to determine if they are safe enough to fly?

2. Oil - How often do you guys change the oil in your Tcrafts? I've been told every 50 hours by some and less by others. Just want to get a concensus.

3. Are there any good resourses out there for the T-craft owner that wants to learn some of maintenance we can perform, such as the oil changes? I want to do some reading and have someone knowledgable show me before I try anything on my own.

4. Anyone in the NJ/PA area know of someone who can do fabric work? I would like to have some minor fabric work done and also have the rudder recovered. Heard it is not too hard to do but again want to have someone help me out the first time or just have it done this time.

I have been learning a lot from everyone on the forum over the last several months. Thanks in advance for your help.

Brian Bell
NC 43255
New Jersey

[lfries]

I change my oil every 25 hours or 4 months which ever comes first. I believe 50 hours is for engines with an oil filter. I clean the screen at every oil change.

My last bungees lasted about 4 years. I didn't realize it had been so long. Normally I change them every 2 - 3 years depending on the sag after a soft landing. Lots of sources such as Chief and Aircraft Spruce. I ordered from AC spruce and they indicated 4 in stock. Three came from fullerton and one from back east. It also had a different mfg. color code in the bungee.

L Fries
N96718

[Robert Lees]

Brian, welcome to the Taylorcraft family.

If you are replacing your bungees, it is an ideal time to check (and may be evn replace) the gear attachment bolts. They can be checked by lifting the gear off the ground and giving the whole gear assembly a good rattle. Any slack or slop should be investigated.

Oil changes: I'm With Lloyd here, we replace oil every 25 hours, because it is only filtered by the oil screen.