FX3 Interior panel removal - propeller cable failure

[Cactus Charlie]

I spoke with Randy from McFarlanes custom shop this morning. I’m sending them my old cable along with the part information that Cactus provided.

Did you ask for the source of their components? I doubt they are machining all the fittings themselves. Such a cable would cost a fortune.

 

[lrobichaux]

You might want to call CubCrafters and ask them if it’s the same cable. I suspect it would be but best to verify

Agree ... will do now.

 

[Tsquared]

Heard back from Randy at McFarlane. Randy was very easy to work with and took the time to answer any questions I had.

The new prop cable is considered a custom build, but anyone wanting to order one for the FX3 should reference Job Number 113094. Cost is $575 plus shipping. Lead time is 3 weeks plus shipping.

 

[Neal]

Today I removed my left inside panel to inspect the throttle friction and also consider permanent mounting my cargo nets. Here are a few items I learned:

1. The black adhesive disc around the friction knob does not need to be removed. You can slide over the hole available as Dave Embry told me when I asked about this my last attempt I aborted due to this.
2. You don't have to remove the throttle and prop control knobs as you just have to stand the levers up so they align with the notch to remove the side panel. However, it does make it easier to get the cover plates out of the way.
3. The hardest part of this process is getting the red fuel selector knob off which is press fit. I pulled and pulled and couldn't get it off. Tried rocking it. Nothing. I used a large flat head screw driver to gently pry from the back left and then back right and then back left and it popped right off.

It's certainly good to inspect all of the fuel connections and make sure nothing is leaking within based on my last plane. Also I see a bunch of yuck in there which is surprising so I'll be vacuuming this out before I close it back up.

 

[Neal]

Friends don't let friends remove the left interior panel! That was the biggest pain in the a$$ I've dealt with yet with the FX-3. Never again! I got my cargo nets installed, the rivet nuts worked great, thank you @Cactus Charlie and the throttle is much better now after lubricating and rotating the connection points.

I got the left panel out without removing the left forward panel but I could not get it back in without removing the left forward panel. No big deal, a few rivets, right?? Yeah, right up until getting that panel back in and lined up properly for the snap rivets. Then in the new FX-3 we have 3 screws that hold the heat duct in place, that didn't align perfectly, but of course. But I figured out on the 12th try to put a drill bit in to help guide it to the screw holes.

It's all back together, now for this heat and humidity to go away and re-cowl post condition inspection and be done with this.