Let's talk maintenance...

[Chris Sexton]

OK guys,, the season is wrapping up for a lot of us and I find myself beginning my "winter maintenance" routine.  I am curious what you guys do for this, how far do you tear your machines down and inspect?

Personally I tear mine down pretty far as seen in this picture of my N5c from last night.  Checking main bearings, radials, bolts, clutch and liner ( this is a nitro model after all ). Hell I am evening checking the piston and ring!

I wanted to hear from the users, what's your routine, do you have one?

[Richard Rollins]

Hey Chris,
I just went through all my helis because of the crash frenzy I have had this year. 6 helis all ready to go if it warms up now. I cleaned up the N7 , checked the bearings including motor bearings, checked all fuel lines. Did the same thing on my N5c. E5 E6 and the Logo are all ready to go. Checked and Oiled the motor bearings , checked main and tail beaings. Checked screw tightness all over and now Im bored.. LOL  I just need to jump on one of those E7se holiday specials .. LOL.. Thinking on that one.

[Kevin Dalrymple]

On the N5C I would do the same as you Chris but also pull the elevator shaft out and inspect it. While I had the mirror out I would change the rear bearing. But I would not start my work till January.

I also use a white board next to my work bench and I list the work each heli I own and the work it needs and the parts I need to buy. Keeps things in order for me. 

[dpelletier]

Maintenance?  What's that?

[Mike Dipalo]

For me it comes down to visible/audible issues first, and then whether or not the heli pings the hour meter on the log, much like a full scale.

If something is coming up, I'll swap it given the chance. As for winter work, the E5 is probably the only one that qualifies for me, but it already had a maintenance tear down in late summer after I found I wore out bearings and dampers. Year and a half of smack without going smack . The n7 is still new enough and has shown no issues as of yet.

[Barry Tilson]

Looking forward to checking out my fleet this winter. Haven't had time however. The E5 has 130 flights on it. My E7se has a noise coming from the tail slider I think it needs some parts. I've got a Kosmik 160 going out for repair.


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[dpelletier]

Actually, the E5 is going to be getting an upgrade.
Moving electronics from my now retired Furion 6, going to try 10S on the E5.

[Kevin Feil]

Good Post Chris, Matt and I were actually talking about this not to long ago, Myself being a Full Scale Heli Mechanic, I often go through my machines often, I always do a thorough visual inspection before I fly, and being I don't get a chance to fly much, I dont nessecarily dismantle them fully. How ever, I do recommend Clutch Maintenance especially if your one to do a lot of Auto's and find yourself bailing out of them.  I pay close attention to the Head Dampeners as well. Exhaust Pipe (check for looseness) Bearings for sure and one of the less checked items is Boom Supports. They do experience loads and the epoxy can tend to break loose. Hard to believe this season has come and gone.. Look forward to 2015.

K

[Richard Rollins]

Your gonna love the e5s on 10s.

[Jon Mills]

Kevin has a good point, I had a glue failure on my N7 not to long ago. Probably because I had to replace a main shaft bearing. Vibration likely caused the separation.