Glasair RG Service Alert: Hydraulic Actuator Washer

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The Glasair Technical Support Desk was recently contacted by the builder of a flying Glasair II who had a hydraulic fluid leak around the shaft on the nose gear hydraulic retract actuating cylinder. Before sending him the rebuild kit for the actuator I suggested he check the Hydraulic Actuator Washer (this washer retains the hydraulic actuator poly-pak seal) to verify if it was flat or “bulged out”. The builder confirmed the washer was bulged out and this was the cause of the leaking seal.

The Hydraulic Actuator Washer currently installed in all Glasair Hydraulic Actuators is fabricated from stainless steel. Some earlier model Glasairs were supplied with Hydraulic Actuators which had an aluminum washer installed. The aluminum washer is adequate for normal operation but when subject to higher than normal operating pressures (such as thermal expansion and landing accidents) it has the tendency to “bulge out” in the area of the seal it is retaining.

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It is highly recommended that all aluminum washers be replaced with the stronger stainless steel washers. Builders and operators of Glasair RG aircraft should inspect each hydraulic actuator to verify that rod seal retaining washer is made of stainless steel. Any washers that are found to be aluminum should be replaced with the appropriate stainless steel washer. Probably one of the easiest ways to confirm whether the washer is aluminum or stainless steel is to use a sharp pointed scribe and attempt to scratch the washer. An aluminum washer will be much softer and will scratch easily.

Glasair has in stock three different number stainless steel washers. The (522-5626-003) washer has a 3/8" ID inner hole for use in the G-I and II main gear retract actuators which also have a 3/8" shaft. The (522-5626-001) washer has a 7/16" ID hole for use in the G-I and II nose gear actuator and the G-III main gear actuators. The (522-5626-005) washer has a ½" ID for use in the G-III nose gear actuator.
Glasair has in stock three different number stainless steel washers. The (522-5626-003) washer has a 3/8″ ID inner hole for use in the G-I and II main gear retract actuators which also have a 3/8″ shaft. The (522-5626-001) washer has a 7/16″ ID hole for use in the G-I and II nose gear actuator and the G-III main gear actuators. The (522-5626-005) washer has a 1/2″ ID for use in the G-III nose gear actuator.
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Cliff Faber
Cliff worked for Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft Inc. (the prior company that developed and produced the Glasair design) from almost its inception and was instrumental in getting the Glasair and GlaStar product lines up and running again as a key employee of Glasair Aviation. He was hired shortly after Stoddard-Hamilton moved to Arlington, Wa. in 1982 and was a key player in the development of each of the Glasair designs.