I was messing with my LT-40 ARF today and noticed that the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer was flexing more than it should. Thinking the wood might be broken I trimmed away the covering and determined that the wood was not broken but that it had a "crease" in it. Should I replace that small part of the leading edge or should I just cover it up and not worry about it? If I should replace it what size balsa stock should I use to replace it with?

If the stabilizer is still structurally sound (not cracked), you can probably just cover this back up and fly. It's hard to envision what this crease is. but if it is just a dent in the wood that forms the leading edge then it is probably OK.

The "crease" is the place where the wood is actually flexing. There is definately a weak spot there, it just not appear that the wood fibers are broken.

They always say it's best to error on the side of caution. At the very least coat the area with thin CA or replace the wood. The CA will add strength to the area and still not look to bad once the covering is back on.

Replacing is the best option but not your only one.

In addition to coating the area with CA, you could glue a small piece of hard wood to the back side of the Stab leading edge, it wouldn't be enough extra weight etc. to even think about and it would help stiffen the stab. ENJOY!!!!

I would worry about it. On my superstar, I have some small holes on the bottom due to balsa breaking and not needing nor wanting to replace it. It just isn't worth it to me. I have a hole under my gas tank, which i like because if the tank leaks, it goes to the ground. Another one is about a quarter inch gap betwee the landing gear wood and the one in front of it. After recover, it should be noticable.

Instead of wicking CA into the area, try and thin some carpenter's glue with water. Let that soak into the area. Won't be a quick to cure as the CA, but the result will be the same, and the wood won't feel as brittle as it does with CA.

Andy

Poke a few pin holes in it - make them go most (if not all) the way through and at different angles (Have some start on one side of the crease and end on the other).

THEN add a few drops of thin CA

Should stiffen it right up

I appreciate all of your suggestions. I believe I'm going to try and use CA to strengthen the piece. I like the idea about putting a few holes in the wood to allow the CA to penetrate better. If this doesn't strengthen it to my liking I may add the piece of hardwood to the backside or I may just replace, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Anyway, I appreciate all the help, this site is absolutely the best.

Thanks Minnflyer. I poked some holes like you suggested and then applied some thin CA. The leading edge wood feels the same as the other side now. Now I just have to recover the repair, get my radio equipment, some flight instruction, and I'll be good to go . Again, I appreciate all ya'lls help.