BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Mar 2020, 00:10

Username Protected wrote:

Congratulations! I just moved out of a 76 Sundowner which I had 4.5 years and put 550 hours on her all across the country, great plane.

I think Beech stopped using the black duct by 81, but if you see any blact ducting down under and behind the pedals, get all of that ripped out immediately. Check for corrosion on any part of aluminium it touches and if it touches brake lines, look for leaks. Big +1 on Beech Aero Club, will save you even more thousands in just your first annual.

Michael,
Thank you for the reply! As far as the black ducting, do you know where I can find a pic of this to know if I have it? I know there is a black foot pad just in front of the pedals, but I don't think that's what you are talking about? I would definitely want to remove anything you guys no to be bad for the airframe! Thanks again!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Mar 2020, 00:18

Username Protected wrote:

I will most definitely be looking hard at the donuts. Is there a specific way to check their serviceability?

If you can't see the nut behind the knee pins at the joint, your donuts are shot and all landing force is going direct to the spar. There are pictures of good and bad over at BAC. Enjoy your treasure!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Mar 2020, 01:03

The black ducting referred to above may be the drainage ducts from the windscreen area - up behind and forward of the instrument panel - leakage there is common and can be a problem.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Mar 2020, 01:43

Username Protected wrote:

Michael,
Thank you for the reply! As far as the black ducting, do you know where I can find a pic of this to know if I have it? I know there is a black foot pad just in front of the pedals, but I don't think that's what you are talking about? I would definitely want to remove anything you guys no to be bad for the airframe! Thanks again!

There is ducting behind the pedals, not the foot pad. That is just the easiest place to look for orange colored ducting or the dreaded black duct. The duct carries the air to the eyeball air vents. It can be from the plenums in front of the windscreen (replace those too, they crumble after years due to being thin brittle plastic) or just any ducting that carries air, including your overhead air vents.

The major problem spots are where the ducting crosses brake lines, touches anything airframe or worst, the spar under the spar cover. If you have it, get it out. Complete ducting kits are available, lots of detailed info and history and links to the kits over at BAC.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Mar 2020, 11:42

Username Protected wrote:

Jack,
The panel is immaculate indeed! You can definitely tell the previous owner was proud of this little bird! I am keeping the original tail number and his custom dash plate as a tribute. The instrument under the turn coordinator is actually a analog "clicker" that you can put in your MEA, FREQ, and Headings for quick reference in instrument conditions. Actually a nifty little device for the time. I will most definitely be looking hard at the donuts. Is there a specific way to check their serviceability? A measurement or something similar? Thanks for the reply and I will probably be reaching out to you frequently for advice! Thank you Sir!

You got it, any time!

Your question about the donuts has already been answered with what I'd tell you.

Right place...right time