Self induced Auto bearing failure and 2 questions

[WillJames]

I just got around to replacing the mainshaft in my recently crashed R90. I am running the new PV0383 Auto gear that calls for the hardened mainshaft, and yes I had the standard soft mainshaft installed. When I went to take it apart I could not get the mainshaft out of the helicopter without using a extension and small ball peen hammer to tap it out. You guessed it, the sprage bearing had eaten into the soft mainshaft and caused it to lockup and made it almost impossible to get off. I think it was Galifrey that warned me about using the 383 auto hub with a standard mainshaft. (he was of course correct.) After about 10 flights I had the crash. I figured it was just me dumb thumbing it into the ground after getting disoriented but now I see it was:

1. Failure to use the hardened Mainshaft with the PV0383 resulting in auto hub lockup
2. Running the C-SPEC PS at 3/4 turn which is way to lean compared to the 1.1 turns out on my other C-SPEC, causing loss of power.
3. Pilot disoriented
4. Failure to stop the descent rate and recover before impacting the ground. :D

There is also a bunch of wear on the sleve that holds the auto bearing in place where it rubs on the Elevator Control Arm SeeSaw. Do you need to upgrade to the TT Machined Elevator Control Arm SeeSaw to use the PV0383?

The photos are attached, and the ones of the mainshaft dont show the half of the damage. Do you think the Sprague bearing is still good?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[WillJames]

I went ahead and installed the hardened mainshaft and a new sprag bearing from another PV0383 package and it is all back together. That was a learning experience.

[Matthew]

I'm glade you did it Will. Now I know who to call when I do it.

[WillJames]

HAHAHA yea, I am starting to rack up a bunch of self-induced bad experiences. :D

[cforcht]

well i think we all have our share of bad experiences, but whats important is what we learn from them. and how often we repeat the same ones.

[hepsibar]

Guys

Is the upgraded auto hub better than the standard one?

I have been dissaopointed with the standard 60 auto hub locking up every flight from new and well - I can't be ***** to change it yet. It still auto's with loads of reserve even driving the clutch bell. Fingers crossed my clutch shoes don't break off and jamm the bell when I need to auto - Pay the money -not yet - I'm taking my chances. :lol:

[Al Magaloff]

The PV0383 has been discontinued, I believe.