Deflating the struts for servicing can be a very messy job which can easily get strut fluid all over your clothes and the wings of the plane. Last time I tried it, I used a rag over the strut valve and pressed the the Shrader valve with a screwdriver but it was still messy. Here is a tool that I made for the job. The valve tightens over the Shrader valve. Once fastened, you use the T-handle to slowly lower the Shrader pin and release the pressure. Put the hose in a plastic jug and have someone hold it inside the jug when you release the pressure. If done correctly, the fluid should go into the jug and not you or the plane. You can get the valve from http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=556
I picked up a fitting that would allow me to connect the hose from a hydraulic plumbing specialty store. The hose is a fuel hose from the autoparts store. You should not need a high pressure hose since the end is open.
I picked up a fitting that would allow me to connect the hose from a hydraulic plumbing specialty store. The hose is a fuel hose from the autoparts store. You should not need a high pressure hose since the end is open.
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