WGRoper

My Feedback: (2)

I recently acquired a Midwest Texan that was complete but never flown. I'm getting her ready to fly and have ran into a small problem. The retract spool valve is leaking and I'd like to rebuild it, but I haven't been able to identify the manufacturer. It's nothing like the current Robart or Century Jet valves that I've seen on Tower's site. It has four output ports, one input, and adjustment screws for each ouput. The case is kinda flat, appears to be made of black plastic or nylon. Can anyone suggest a manufacturer? I'll try to post a pic of it soon.

Thanks!
Greg

DGM

I have a set of Innovative Model Products FW190 D9 retracts that have a black plastic control valve. It has a swing arm that sticks out the side that controls airflow and the airlines connect to a white nylon fixture that is mounted on top of the unit, but no individual flow rate control screws.
Other than Innovative I do not know who else made plastic retract control valves.

Checkmate

Greg,

I think Century Jet's "original" (old style) valves were like that. Large screw fitting to adjust speed, black "plastic" construction.

WGRoper

My Feedback: (2)

You are correct. I contacted Century Jet and they confirmed it. They're offering me an upgrade to the new aluminum block type vavle with independent speed adjustments for up/down. I just need to make sure it'll work in my application without much duress. Although, I don' t think I really have much choice in the matter. It'd suck to have to make a belly landing 'cus the gear won't drop.

TLH101

My Feedback: (90)

Try the Robart Adjustable valve. Not much better than the CJM valve, but a lot cheaper and less hassle to get. Order from CJM and you may never see anything.
Tower and several other discounters handle the Robart valve. I think I saw one in the RCU Market for $20 but I am not positive.

Timmahh

i have a robart adjustable on my P47 im building with RohmAirs. works a charm and i can get the movement so slow its almost unnoticable. but then again i can probably get the wheels to come out the top of my wings if i open it up too...paid 35 at my lhs.
Timmahh

WGRoper

My Feedback: (2)

Yep, unregulated retracts can be pretty exciting, huh?

I like the fact the the CJM unit has four adjustment screws, two for each cylinder for up and down action. The robart allows control on left and right gear independently, which may be sufficient for my application. And I know I can add wheel collars to the lines to change the speed if necessary.