Broken Tailwheel Fork

Woodsum · Post by **Woodsum** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 10:20 pm

Investigated why airplane tailwheel, a Scott 3200A, will turn left ok, but not to the right without some braking on the right pedal. Removed and disassembled I found the steel cam-like half-moon shaped piece that's pinned to the top of the fork and holds the spring and two spacers (Scott item no's 18,19,and 20 in the Spruce p.225) was broken in half. My question is...Do I replace the whole unit? I have the bent-up ears, I'd like to just buy the 3200 model and use the ears from my 3200A. The replacement 3200A is a lot more than the 3200, and my wheel and tire are just fine. I'm also wondering if that "pinned part" is included with the "Fork Assy'y p/n 3224 . What you recommend? I don't mind buying the whole thing, but would rather buy only what's necessary. This tailwheel is probably very old on my '55 170B. Thanks, for any suggestions. l: popaalpha

zero.one.victor · Post by **zero.one.victor** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 1:14 am

From what I recall,that half-moon piece (where the spring & two spacers are pinned) IS an integral part of the t/w fork. Exploded drawing seems to bear this out. I would just buy a replacement fork if everything else is in good shape. My 2002-2003 Spruce catalog shows the fork at $168. Shows the complete t/w assembly at $550. A current Univair ad in GA News shows the 3200 assembly at $741,wow! they've really gone up,so I imagine the parts prices have too. Even if the fork is $200 now,it's still alot less than a complete t/w. Maybe you can locate a used one for cheap.

Eric

Woodsum · Post by **Woodsum** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 1:29 am

Thanks Eric; I'll check for a used one first. My 2003/2004 Spruce Catelog shows the fork at $194.80. I don't mind getting a new one, but I'm not sure the ordertakers at Spruce know exactly what they are selling. Hope I can find a complete unit, in good condition.

Post by **GAHorn** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 2:50 am

Woodsum, those pieces, items 18,19.and 20 are a spring and two spacers. They work against the pawl, item 9, which are typically the parts that break and cause the steering problem you described. They are all replaceable within your tailwheel assy, cost less than $35 and you should not have to purchase a new fork. The 3200A utilizes the same parts.

DensityDog · Post by **DensityDog** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 4:01 am

Woodsum, be careful buying used a tailwheel fork. Most of 'em are so effin' worn out, they aren't worth the headache. You might call Tailwheel Tom at XP Mods and see if he has any deals. He can fix you up with the small parts, too.
(Yes, Zero.one.victor, I know I am not usually a Tailwheel Tom fan, but I broke down and bought my new tailwheel and spring from him this year. Couldn't beat his price!)

zero.one.victor · Post by **zero.one.victor** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 10:33 pm

Dog old buddy,good to hear from you on this forum again!
Is your new tailwheel locking or plain?

Eric

Woodsum · Post by **Woodsum** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 1:10 am

After considering the options, I decided to buy a new Scott Tailwheel from Spruce. The latest price is ......$765. The good news is the ground shipping ups is free...my fork itself was broke and satisfactory repair was doubtful. Thanks for the inputs...

DensityDog · Post by **DensityDog** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 4:25 am

Hi Eric,
The new tailwheel is not locking. Actually, I got just the new swivel top, 1" spring and new control horn. Still using my old fork.
Maybe next year I can afford the locking setup.
Cheers,
Dog!

The International Cessna^® 170 Association