Spreader bar plugs

[Blakey]

I have my 2870s apart and I have to find new plugs for the spreader bar ends. The end plugs were very old and had to be removed in pieces. I'm looking for an alternative material to the original wood for the replacements. Has anyone had any experience with other materials such as high-density plastic? The wooden ones hold water and cause some pretty serious corrosion inside the tubes!

[bkn4thr]

Try spray in expanding foam. Once cured cut of excess with a hacksaw blade or knife.
works on my 3500s. carefull not to get it all over the place. Use some paper to protect floats from drips.
bkn

[black hole]

I think that the originals were cork.


BH

[culver10]

I would go for some 1.5"-2" thick pink or blue construction foam. You can shape it on a bandsaw and belt sander. If you seal the foam end with epoxy resin, not polyester, you can paint the end to match the float color.

[Bulawrench]

You could seal the end with PRC then paint it.
Seem to work.

[twotter]

Use the expanding foam, it works well and is removable if you ever need to. As for Bula's advice, well his picture shows where his head really is..
Cheers..

[northwings]

I wouldn't be so quick to shoot down bula's advice twotter. In my experience the expanding spray foam acts like a sponge keeping the moisture in contact with metal all the time causing corrosion. A wood or blue styrofoam end plug with a 1/8 to 1/4" layer of prc over top is what I usually do. The wood is usually a better option as it can be re-used after inspection.

[Bulawrench]

I think the expanding foam is between someones ears.

[Widow]

No repair manual?

[Bulawrench]

There is no repair manual for Twotter's expanding foam head.

There is barely a parts book for some floats.
A package of drawings for assembly is used
with good practice and knowledge.

[Blakey]

No repair manual?

Kirsten,

I can't find a manual for 2870 floats. I called Kenmore, the current manufacturer and STC holder, and was told that this was all they had for these floats:

http://www.kenmoreair.com/parts/pdf/249-2870.pdf

The drawing does not even show plugs much less have a specification for replacements. The representative I spoke with suggested the same "foam" solution detailed above.

I'm certain that you are aware of the "indefinite" state of float specifications but I can assure you that Beaver floats get more attention and have more detailed repair manuals than floats for smaller aircraft. No doubt this is due to the fact that they are more expensive and more widely used in commercial operations. Kenmore still makes Beaver floats but has no plans to put 2870s back into production.

The foam solution sounds like a good one for the outside plugs but there should also be "spacer" plugs at the inboard point where the floats are clamped to the spreader bars. This plug is there to prevent the spreader bar, which is just an nicely shaped tube, from being crushed when you tighten the clamp bolts. Foam will not do in here as the plugs must prevent the tube from collapsing. Aerocet makes a lovely updated tube with a vertical "spar" in the middle but they are $900 US each FOB Aerocet. Just a little outside my budget!

Blakey

[Widow]

Thanks Blakey. Yes, I think I've seen everything there is that applies to the old EDO floats that are still used on the Beaver. The old Beaver repair manual is the only thing over and above the exploded drawings, like the ones for your floats, that I've seen. It has some very basic information. I could be wrong, but I don't think the difference is due to anything related to their commercial use today, but rather the fact that they were originally used by the military.

I'm glad to hear you called Kenmore and the STC holder for help

[twotter]

They actually use a closed cell marine grade two part expanding foam to make them in a mould and then cut and install into the spreaders to reinforce at the attach points as Blakey pointed out. They are in the process of changing it to a plastic that will be held in with Bostik 920.

How's that one for ya bula? I guess they didn't teach you that at Viking..

[Bulawrench]

"They" are changing it to plastic.
I think everyone knows Twotter's expertise.
Making up his own repairs and bull #htting his way through life.
Are ya able to handle repairs on a 150..not likely.

Yes, the beaver repair manual does have minimal float repairs. They are
4580's since 4930 were never in the type certificate for the Beaver.
That is why an STC is required to fit 4930 to the beaver.

[mag check]

Thanks Blakey. Yes, I think I've seen everything there is that applies to the old EDO floats that are still used on the Beaver. The old Beaver repair manual is the only thing over and above the exploded drawings, like the ones for your floats, that I've seen. It has some very basic information. I could be wrong, but I don't think the difference is due to anything related to their commercial use today, but rather the fact that they were originally used by the military.

I'm glad to hear you called Kenmore and the STC holder for help

I thought the beaver on floats was sold to the ontario government, and commercial operators, well before the US military bought their 900 or so -2's a couple of years later?
I don't recall that it was designed with the military in mind?

[Widow]

I said "used" not "designed". Perhaps the "originally" should not have been included in my statement. The only Beaver manual I've seen that refers to float maintenance is the military one. Does another exist?

[twotter]

"They" are changing it to plastic.
I think everyone knows Twotter's expertise.
Making up his own repairs and bull #htting his way through life.
Are ya able to handle repairs on a 150..not likely.

Yes, the beaver repair manual does have minimal float repairs. They are
4580's since 4930 were never in the type certificate for the Beaver.
That is why an STC is required to fit 4930 to the beaver.

"They" would be Kenmore, the type certificate holder for the EDO floats.

And just so we are clear here Bull (bullsh*tter would be more appropriate) boy.. It was you who knowingly allowed a -2 to fly around with a cracked 228 bulkhead!!! naughty naughty.. As for your accusations, well for me to care about them, I'd have to respect your opinion, and like everyone else on the west coast, I don't..

[mag check]

I said "used" not "designed". Perhaps the "originally" should not have been included in my statement. The only Beaver manual I've seen that refers to float maintenance is the military one. Does another exist?

Yes, the normal beaver MM has a float section, although there is not much in it, and quite an extensive amphib section in it. However, since the 4580 or 4930 floats don't use any end plugs in their spreaders, that wouldn't be found in it.

What is wrong with putting the hardwood plugs back in the 2870's?
The wood lasted for 50 years, why not put new wood in and replace it in another 50 years?

[twotter]

The original wood plugs worked great in the freshwater environment, however, those of us who have to deal with salt found that the salt laden moisture created a lot of corrosion.

[mag check]

The original wood plugs worked great in the freshwater environment, however, those of us who have to deal with salt found that the salt laden moisture created a lot of corrosion.

Can't the wood be treated with something to stop it from soaking up the water, I mean really, there have been wooden ships sailing the world's oceans for a few thousand years.

I believe there is a product that is used during old boat restoration that is designed just for this purpose. Head down to the local boat yard and ask around.

[ALF]

Are we talking about airplanes or boats here?

Instead of the marine store, why not use PRC as originally suggested by Bula before the mudslinging began. PRC is approved for use on aircraft and when applied properly can be a real bitch to get off. It is hands down the best stuff I have ever used. PRC will outlast any boat stuff that I have seen.