Are you installing a parking brake?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:15 am

If you have ever been to 44N Sky Acres in New York, you know what a hilly ramp is like. You need 4 wheel drive to get to the restaurant!

I can't image trying to hold the brakes while exiting the aircraft and scabbing some chocks while it is rolling into someone's spam can!

I am going to order the Matco parking brake from Van (or Spruce) soon.

I am also going to order the stainless steel braided brake lines from Bonaco! I just don't want those plastic brake lines. They look kinda cheesy.

Sooooo, are you installing the OPTIONAL parking brake?

CJ

rob · Post by **rob** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:21 am

Cap'n J -- I got the Matco valve and hoses from Bonaco. Setup works great, save for the fact that when bleeding my brakes last night, I got a leak from the Matco valve where the right AN nipple screws in. At first, I thought it was the nipple, but I saw fluid leak from much higher up on the valve itself. I am gonna take things apart and reassemble with some sealant to see if that works.

Other than that little gotcha, it seems like a good one. Very small and easy to plumb up.

rob · Post by **rob** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:26 am

Oh yeah...I only have Bonaco hoses for the run between the pilot master cylinders to the parking brake. I have AL lines from the valve to the firewall AN fittings, and I am using the plastic lines everywhere else. At first, I thought the plastic lines were gonna suck big time. The were a PITA to get the little brass ferrules inserted into the ends, and I think they are gonna hold up just fine! No leaks at any of the plastic locations whatsoever.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:47 am

Rob,

It sounds like you can rectify your leak easy enough. Are you installing the hoses on dry threads? Do they suggest any lube/sealant on the threads before assembly?

You got any pics of your install?

CJ

rob · Post by **rob** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:22 am

The AN fittings go on dry with just the flare making the seal. The NPT fittings that go into the parking brake valve have thread sealant (Permatex XXX -- can't remember the exact number).

I thought for sure I had a picture of the valve install with the hard lines, but I can't find one out on our site. I will get a pic tonight when I am out working.

I have a T-handle control from Spruce in the dash that I am using to control the valve. It was cheap and it locks really well...seems to be a good use for this application.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:40 am

Nice, cool, thanks!

Say, while you are out there... can ya check out the permatex number for me too?

I appreciate it!

CJ

TomC · Post by **TomC** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:50 am

Nothing like an unbiased poll question.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:19 am

Tom, It is the only way I write them.

The archives are full of them!

Check out the EFIS vs. Steam one where Jim Geo answers "steam", complains about it being biased and now is building a Dynon panel!

http://www.rivetbangers.com/cgi-php/for ... fis++steam

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:14 am

captain_john wrote: Check out the EFIS vs. Steam one where Jim Geo answers "steam", complains about it being biased and now is building a Dynon panel!

And you are attributing it to your poll question? *snicker*

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 11:08 am

Ummmm, NO!

*snicker*

CJ

TomC · Post by **TomC** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:51 pm

Tom, It is the only way I write them.

The archives are full of them!

I'm sorry, I did not appreciate the history

My thoughts on the parking brake are illustrated in the example:

You fly into an airport with a paved ramp. You park your plane and get out to take care of bodily functions.

Option 1, you put on your parking brake and go inside. The trusty line attendant sees your unchocked plane and puts their spam can chocks around your tires with the possible consequences. This is what his boss has told him, chock every plane on their ramp. He doesn't know about your parking brake and what if it failed.

Option 2, you bring your own angle iron chocks (cost $10) and install them yourself. The line attendant is satisfied.

Option 2 is the mode I have used for a couple of years. Its cheaper and way simpler to construct.

Just my $.02 (flame retardant suit on)

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:52 pm

brakes for me, no additonal hoses or lines if done correctly.

Post by **Spike** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:32 pm

Ok, I must have read that wrong. I thought you were relating the two. Oh well, Ive been reading lots of things wrong lately.

John

captain_john wrote:Ummmm, NO!

*snicker*

CJ

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:25 pm

I just wrap a chain around the tailwheel and call it good. Didn't see a poll option for that. I don't worry about the lineboy. Never even seen one.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:33 pm

I plan to copy Jack's idea...3/4" PVC put together in a "U" shape, that is made to hug the tires. Fits under the wheel pant, and is REALLY lite-weight!

No parking brake for me...

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:08 pm

Okay Willie, I will bite!

Clue me in on what you have in store. You have got my interest piqued!

CJ

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:58 pm

I think the primary purpose of a parking brake is to set it long enough to put chocks in place. Most people don't recommend keeping the on for long periods.

Grove aircraft is now making a nice parking brake valve. Just like the Cleveland or Matco, but it has an indexable arm. Gives you a lot more options for installation.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:23 pm

ptrotter wrote:I think the primary purpose of a parking brake is to set it long enough to put chocks in place. Most people don't recommend keeping the on for long periods.

Grove aircraft is now making a nice parking brake valve. Just like the Cleveland or Matco, but it has an indexable arm. Gives you a lot more options for installation.

Paul, I agree about it being a temporary method of securing the plane. I would probably trust it for about 15 or 30 MINUTES at best. Bleed down and frozen calipers being my primary concerns.

I will have to check out the Grove unit. Do ya got a link?

CJ

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:39 am

captain_john wrote:Okay Willie, I will bite!

Clue me in on what you have in store. You have got my interest piqued!

CJ

i if you install it inplace of the bracket on the 7a all you need is the valve 4 fittings and the cable. you do have to fab a bracket but that is straight forward. i can post pics if you like. ive seen the 7 done very similar except the vavle penetrates (your favorite i know) the firewall.

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:02 pm

captain_john wrote:
I will have to check out the Grove unit. Do ya got a link?

CJ

http://www.groveaircraft.com/parkbrake.html

RivetBangers.com

Are you installing a parking brake?

Parking brake? Yeah or Nay?

Are you installing a parking brake?

Got the Matco

put it in now

nothing to technical