AlexPeterson
Well Known Member
I have the standard Van's prop control cable (made by ACS products, Lake Havasu city AZ). I found the following during the annual conditional inspection:
While the cable continues to function like this, the possibility of the cable buckling upon advancement is certainly there. I noticed this same condition on an RV4 several years ago, so it is not a freak failure. The tube is supposed to be captured loosely in the swage, so that it can move through small angles, sort of like a ball joint. It appears its only function is to prevent buckling of the cable during advancement. In any case, it is something to watch for.
I may slide a piece of silicone tubing over this joint as a preventative measure, clamping on both ends for my throttle and mixture controls. This silicone tube would prevent the metal tube shown in the picture from being able to slide apart.
While the cable continues to function like this, the possibility of the cable buckling upon advancement is certainly there. I noticed this same condition on an RV4 several years ago, so it is not a freak failure. The tube is supposed to be captured loosely in the swage, so that it can move through small angles, sort of like a ball joint. It appears its only function is to prevent buckling of the cable during advancement. In any case, it is something to watch for.
I may slide a piece of silicone tubing over this joint as a preventative measure, clamping on both ends for my throttle and mixture controls. This silicone tube would prevent the metal tube shown in the picture from being able to slide apart.