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  • 914Driver

    Nov. 30, 2011 9:27 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

    When an exhaust stud goes bad on a car, I replace it by drilling it out, tapping it a bit, throwing some tools around, drilling it again, then go to an air motor, have a beer and finally it comes out. When I screw the new stud in I butter it up with Never-Seize to make it easier the next time.

    Here's the problem: I've been asked to replace a broken stud on a Pawnee tow plane. It's a 4 cylinder pancake engine with aluminum heads. The studs are steel and there's a helicoil in the head.

    Do you Lok-Tite the OD of the helicoil, insert it, then duck butter the stud with never-seize? Never-seize all or it?

    Are copper nuts a help or hinderance?

    What does the FAA think about this? I'm sure there are rules, I just don't know them yet.

    Dan

  • RealMiniDriver

    Nov. 30, 2011 9:42 a.m. RealMiniDriver Dork

    I have no solid answer, but at this very moment, I am working on aircraft parts with helicoils in them. Parts are titanium, helicoils are Lok-Tited in with red flavor.

  • pilotbraden

    Nov. 30, 2011 9:59 a.m. pilotbraden Dork

    Check with the IA that is going to sign off the repair in the logbook. Without his approval there is no point in touching it.

  • 914Driver

    Nov. 30, 2011 10:40 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

    Thanks, I believe he'll be there anyway. It just seems easier to pull the head than hang upside down under the plane, but perhaps that opens up new criteria. Find out Saturday.

    Thanks again, Dan

  • iceracer

    Nov. 30, 2011 12:05 p.m. iceracer SuperDork

    Are you licensed to work on an aircraft engine ? The FAA IS fussy.

  • pilotbraden

    Nov. 30, 2011 12:21 p.m. pilotbraden Dork

    Anyone can work on an airplane if they can get someone with IA (inspector authorization) to sign off the work in the maintenance logbook.

  • 914Driver

    Nov. 30, 2011 1:16 p.m. 914Driver SuperDork

    I am a Federally licensed as a tool maker, if another stamp is required for stuff that leaves the ground then no.

    I'm sure one of the folks there will know the rules.

    Dan

  • iceracer

    Nov. 30, 2011 6:00 p.m. iceracer SuperDork

    Just speaking from the FAA side. I'm sure many repairs are done "on the sly"

  • wlkelley3

    Nov. 30, 2011 9:58 p.m. wlkelley3 Dork

    Yeah, as in everything stuff is done "on the sly" but if something happens or someone is caught then it's a different story.

    pilotbraden is right, anyone can work on aircraft under the supervision of an A&P. It's the A&P/AI name that goes on records though.

    Really this isn't that much of a big deal and doesn't have to be on the sly as long as an IA is involved. Oh, I would have you leave out that butter but use locktite to put the helicoil in. I'm a school trained, licensed A&P and used to teach A&P license procedure and aircraft maintenance. Most fun job I've had but the pay sucked. Left for a Helicopter tech & logistics job that I also enjoy and pays mucho better. No big deal, do the repair as the AI wants and he's supposed to file a record of the repair and all is kosher.

 
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