The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Just did an owner assisted annual and a couple of squawks I would like some help on.

1) Brakes: brake cylinders are loose where the bottoms attach to the "tophats" on the frame. True they wiggle some and the holes in the top hat and one brake cylinder are worn. Different hardware in each bottom cylinder - one has a bolt 3/16th, one has a clevis. Any suggestions for removing the wiggle. IA said they will eventually wear through which equals no brakes. Realistically, this probably would take some years. Also: any suggestions on removing the sludge in the bilge, 5056, carpet fuzz, al shavings, the list goes on but it is sludge. And any thought on flexible line replacement and cylinder rebuild, while I am down there?

2) Same situation with the flaps. 170A model. I have an Parts Catalog for the 170 which calls it a Tube Assembly - Flap Control (P.5 and 13). However, the 170A part is a stamped metal assembly not a tube. Both do the same thing but different designs. I have not removed this assembly yet to see what is loose but again the IA demonstrated some looseness in the assembly and I agree. There are probably some oval holes in there somewhere. Suggestions? Replacement parts or steel bushing to prevent further wear? Thanks.

3) Under the floor is a significant amount of the sludge. I have cleaned up what I can reach but it really needs a pressure washing. (after I vacuumed the debris that has been in there for years). Any thoughts oh wise ones of TIC170?

Mark

Hi Mark,

When I cleaned out the bilge on 81D, I used mineral spirits and a ton of micro fiber towels. The spirits can be put into a spray bottle easy enoug, won't hurt the paint or anything and the fumes won't kill you. The micro fiber towels pics up aluminum shavings and old screws like a magnet. I pulled out enough loose nuts and bolts to start a hardware store.

If you're down there, gave a good look at your flex brake lines off the master cylinders. They aren't terrible to replace.
Other than cables and pulleys, there isn't much else down there. The fuel valve but save that for when you are really feeling motivated.

Not sure about the flaps issue, mines a B model.

Cheers!
David