What are the gotchas for >=1970 Cessna 210s?

-The 1970 K model is the first without the gear saddle AD.
-Is the steering collar that big a deal?

From what I can tell, most of the gear issues come from the gear door sequencing and gear saddle problems. Seems like buying a plane not subject to the AD with the Uvlade STC will eliminate most of the concerns with the gear system. Am I wrong?

What other strangeness can one expect when getting into 210K model or later?

I'm not buying yet but I am building my short list. This is just a question to clear up any misconceptions I have about the later 210s.

Foam in the stab or center section ... that hides/promotes corrosion.

Scat tubes in the wing roots can cause dissimilar metal corrosion.

Sort of.

There are significant differences between Uvalde modified 210s and ones that came without doors from the factory (N & R models). From memory, the plumbing is all still there for the doors and it's still fairly complicated.

Many people think the doors, when well maintained, aren't a maintenance issue and potentially add a few knots to the plane.

I'd prefer the N model which eliminates them entirely and makes for an overall simpler gear system.

FYI, if you can find it (unsure if it's still in print or not), John Frank's book on buying 210's is incredibly valuable.

Robert

I have a NA 210L with the Uvalde mod. I think the plane is a couple of knots slower than those with doors. There are many people who think the doors aren't a big issue when properly maintained. If you maintain the gear well they are reliable.

The big thing now is the spar carry through service bulletin. Most expect it to become an AD.

https://www.tennesseeaircraft.net/2019/ ... ough-spar/

I think if you get a good specimen it is no less reliable than other planes of the same vintage.

It is fast and very stable. Carries a lot of weight and hard to get out of CG. My full fuel payload is around 1000 lbs. A lot of room in a comfortable cabin for 4, a bit tight for 6 adults. The rear seats are small. I often remove one back seat for even more room. The high wing and 2 doors makes for easy entry and egress.

I am very pleased with the 210.

210L with doors. IO550P. wonderful. 24V system began with the L and gear can go down even if engine is out without hand crank. UL I believe is higher also. maintenance is the key to keep cost down and reliability up. Paul New does our annuals, and the spar inspection was something we were having done already, I learned.

+1 on the John Franks 210 Buyers Guide (Cessna Pilots Association). It’s a must read before purchasing.

I seem to recall CPA going through some issues a while back, but it appears they have a website up and offering an updated buyers guide. I’d be willing to bet the IP stayed with the organization and it’s his. https://cessna.org/product/210-buyers-guide-digital/

If not, there appear to be some bootleg PDFs on the internet. Unfortunately, I gave mine away years ago to someone looking to buy.

Like above, my preference leans to N’s and R’s. Gear system was simplified and had higher speeds....like top of the green arc for extension, and red line for down and locked never exceed. Great speed brake!

Maintenance can be painful at times. to generalize, tightly packaged, a million screws and access panels.

O2 systems—the overhead system was a great packaging idea, and that’s all that can be said for it. Testing requires dropping the headliner, pulling and and hydro testing 4 bottles....time and money.... later systems replaced it with one bottle in back. Buyers guide will tell you about that and much more.

Passenger side flip open window is a really nice option if you find one with it.

It was a great family hauler and we have many great memories from it.

Good luck!

Agree John franks book

Also try http://cessna-pilots.net/

Get a prebuy from Paul New or John Efinger.

I will second that recommendation. John is probably closer to the OP, he is near Fort Worth.

Agreed. John or Paul for pre-buy. There are likely others, but this isn’t the time to start seeking them out. If you find a candidate airplane that isn’t near them, post here for other recommendations.

My favourite T210 is the M. Has gear doors. TSIO-520R from factory. Breakers mounted in separate side panel. N would be simpler, but I dissed my buddy’s R model so often for not having gear doors that I can never go there! I really liked the gear doors on my L model. Not much trouble to take care of. Reduced exhaust leakage into the cabin. If I ever went back to a T210, this would be it.

800 hours in 9 years ownership T210L, so speaking from experience. What I didn’t like about the L: mine was 1974 so it didn’t have the GAMA format AFM. Had the TSIO-520H rated 300 hp for 5 minutes max. Had McCauley wheels and brakes. All upgradeable, but having it all as original equipment is nicer. Didn’t have any of the tail service bulletins complied with.

R model is coveted, but few were bit, limiting STC and PMA options for affordable parts and modernization. Very expensive. A bit of an orphan in my view.

The K model is OK, but has an engine driven hydraulic pump. Workable, but you need to know the system well. Pitfall is if the pump is asked to pump continuously against a dead head due to a system failure not allowing it to circulate at low pressure. It will burn it up and contaminate the whole hydraulic system. Also, you need a hydraulic mule to do gear swings at annual. If your shop doesn’t have one, you’ll have to buy it.

Stick to L, M, or N according to your price point, available candidates, and feature preferences.

It's not a Bonanza.

No, but it has a lot more room inside, is easier to get into, and has a wider CG range.

Beechtalk is slipping. It took way too long for this comment to appear.

I’ll say again, I love flying Bonanzas! However, there is something just wrong about making a captain slide over into his seat.

Having owned a B36TC and T210N: I vote 210 in Texas. We need shade, shoulder room, and a window that opens enough to let in a real breeze. Also, we need enough useful load to carry all of our b.s..