LANDING GEAR PISTON UPGRADE KIT (1)

This kit is a retrofit upgrade for the main landing gear shock struts originally installed on the above listed aircraft. The purpose of this upgrade is to provide the owners and operators of these airplanes the opportunity to enjoy the reduced maintenance costs and improved functionality of the current production landing gear struts now being installed on our new WACO’s by replacing the original rope type packing with conventional “O” Ring sealing used in all modern aircraft shock struts.

The original strut design, which until now has remained unchanged since the 1930s, utilized a type of seal known as Gas Rod Packing and a gland type nut to squeeze the packing material around the shock strut piston to prevent the hydraulic fluid from leaking from the strut. This type of sealing system was a simple design with no need for close tolerances in the manufacturing process, no doubt a consideration in 1935. It results, however, in a less than optimal seal and is static in that over time in service the packing tends to not remain in contact with the piston surface and leaks can develop. When this occurs, the only remedy is to disassemble the strut and, with a special tool, retighten the gland nut or replace the packing. The torque on the gland nut is also critical as too much will bind the strut while not enough will result in a leak requiring rework and additional expense.     

With the use of modern design and manufacturing processes, WACO Classic Aircraft has improved the original design by eliminating the troublesome packing while retaining the basic well proven strut design. The upgrade kit comes partially assembled with complete instructions and is a direct replacement for the original piston assembly. The change out is quite simple and should be within the capabilities of any well equipped aircraft maintenance shop. And of course we are always just a phone call or email away, ready to answer any questions your technician might have. 

Effectively: All WACO YMF airplanes manufactured by WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation and predecessor Classic Aircraft Corp.

Consult factory with the aircraft serial number to obtain correct kit.

NOTE - Two Kits recommended, one for each gear,should be installed at same time.

[Item 50846LGK]