The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Hi folks, I'm in dire need of accurate info regarding which part number I need to order to fix my non-functional door latch. The part that is broken appears to be the spring that forces the catch out to its extended position. It looks like a miniature mouse-trap (or at least it used to) that pushes on the back of the catch itself. See the attached pics

From the IPC, I thought it would be P/N 0411554, which doesn't appear to be available from Cessna anymore. Then I came across this post: http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... f=6&t=6831

According to that post, the P/N was superceded to 0411567-2. I ordered two of them thinking I'd have a spare for when the other door needs attention someday. They're not cheap at about $17 each. Unfortunately, when the new springs arrived, they look nothing like the old one and it does not appear they'll work (they're tension springs, I need a torsion spring).

From another post, I found where Mr. Lee Chavez used to make and sell the spring in question, however the email address given (chavez@gotnet.net) no longer works, and so I don't have any means to contact him.

So back to my original question... what do I need to be ordering here? I've got the old latch assembly removed, which meant drilling out rivets and such. Now the plane is down and sitting outside at my A&P's until we get this resolved.

http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... tch#p70072

Ryd, take a look at the link above there are some pictures of how the springs, you have just received, work.

John, I've seen those pics before, but to me it appears that the pair of tension springs are being used to hold the handle closed, not to force the latch out. Am I seeing it wrong?

I was finally able to contact Mr. Chavez and have new "mousetrap" springs on the way. I'd like to understand what my other springs are supposed to do, however.

johneeb wrote:http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... tch#p70072

Ryd, take a look at the link above there are some pictures of how the springs, you have just received, work.

Well.... the plot thickens...

The coiled tension-springs in the pics linked above are NOT Cessna springs at all...they are common hardware springs in an imaginative installation one of our members sent me a few years ago. He tired of the search for the mouse-trap springs, and came up with the alternative using common springs. Then another member sent me a note explaining how Cessna has "superceded" the mouse-trap spring part number to a new number... which according to rydfly now appears to be incorrect info... I apologize for the confusion, and hope Cessna will allow you to return them at that price.

Ryd,
The tension springs do both actions, hold the handle in and force the latch out, try a test assembly on the bench and you will see how it works. I have found the tension springs to be simpler fix and you can buy replacement (TSO'd ) springs at the aviation department at your 5 and Dime (5 and Dimes are or will be back soon).

Well, as I said, I have new "mousetraps" on the way from Mr. Chavez, so I'll likely just use those. I will test-fit my coiled tension springs though to compare function. If they work just as well, I'll keep them handy for the next repair (hopefully another 60 years or so from now )

I just finished fixing my broken latch using springs from ACE hardware (I used the smallest tension springs they sell, #100, I think) as shown in the pictures from George. I made a small change in the attachment of the springs to the housing by using two 1/4 inch aluminum screw posts from Lowes. I also cut the bushing which slides over the pin in the back to create basically two washers to keep the spring from shifting side to side on the pin. Hopefully the attached pictures will clarify what I did better than my explanation! The only rivets which had to be removed on my plane were the four that held the face of the latch plate to the inside of the door. The rest was held in place by screws. I'm off to the airport now to see if this contraption really works!

Joe

Joe, just a caution on those screw post, they are made of very soft aluminum and wear rather quickly. I used them on my window latches and have had to replace them due to rapid wear.

My father is Lee Chavez and his current email is; apache2@mlode.com, if anyone needs more information or needs to purchase a set of these springs.