The problem area with all pneumatic retracts is the finish on the tubing nipples. They must be perfect. That is, no knicks. One tiny knick will cause a leak or the air line to blow off. NEVER REMOVE THE PNEUMATIC AIR LINE BY CUTTING IT OFF WITH AN EXACTO KNIFE OR RAZOR BLADE. A tiny knick that you can't even see with the naked eye can cause you endless aggravation. Pull the lines off with your hands. Yes, it is tough, but you can get help from the XYL or from a friend. Don't cut them off.

Now that we have cleared up the point of no knicking the fittings, you have only one more thing to do to ensure that you will always have a set of gear that will retract and extend reliably.

Forget using Freon and airconditioner oil, as mentioned in the original instructions. Use good old air and get your hands on a silicone grease stick or two. The kind used to help wooden drawers move smoothly in furniture.

Disassemble the cylinders, inspect the o-rings. Replace the o-rings if necessary. When it is time to reassemble, smear the o-ring with the silicone grease stick and then put'er back together. That's it. Your system won't need any messy oil and it will be good for a year or two without regreasing.

My Rom-Air gear never failed to retract or extend in all of the flights they flew. I used to run 100 psi of air with the stock air tank. That was good for five or six solid retractions and extensions.

Don't mind me. You probably know more about these things than I do.


Ed Cregger