Doh! I've stripped the thread on the Main Rotor Housing

[jonestrex450]

While installing the Head Stopper onto the Main Rotor Housing on my new T500, I’ve somehow managed to strip the thread from the screw hole that secures the head stopper in place. I’m well gutted as the build was going well up until then.

The M2x8mm socket screw that holds the head stopper in place just keeps spinning but its not loose enough to pull out without unscrewing it first, the head stopper spins around freely as well.

I didn't really over tighten the screw at all, it just never fully tightened up.

It’s defiantly the housing thread that has stripped and not the screws thread because I’ve tried an M2x12mm screw from my T450 spares box and that just spins once it gets so far into the hole as well.

I’m not sure what to do now, at the moment I’ve left the M2x8mm screw in the hole with some Loctite added just to see how secure it will be, but I don’t fancy running the heli with it like that as thats just asking for trouble isn’t it?

Another choice that I think could solve my problem is to “Tap and Die” the hole into a M3 sized hole with a “Tap and Die” set that I own, and then install an M3x8mm screw to hold the head stopper securely in place.

Or I could just get a replacement Main Rotor Housing at the cost of £18 and then rebuild the head.

What do you guys think is the best option and have you had this kind of problem before?

[robmoney]

Don't run the head button. It's not needed and just adds unecessary weight.

I don't run one on any of my machines...

Use throttle hold to go full neg pitch and the blades stop very quickly!

[clayboy]

use a locktite that is made for big play or throw the head stopper away and use the throttlecut and full neg pitch instead , stops very fast

[JCP SR]

I have stripped 2 at this point I dont use it I am going this weekend and try to find a M3 tap and just use a bigger screw

[Jetleaf]

I read somewhere that a lot of guys are tossing them due to the fact that during a crash the arms on the blade grips are getting bent when they hit the head stopper. The Blade grips are apparently fine otherwise.

[docjoe]

You could try using a self-tapping screw instead of a machine screw and then use some JB weld on it.

On my TRex 600 when the head button screw hole had stripped (after a bad crash), I used a 3.5mm bolt but had to drill a slightly larger hole in both the head and the head button.

Personally, I like the head button. Some don't fly with out it.

[jonestrex450]

Thanks for the fast responces guys, i knew i could count on you lot for some good advice!

First off at least i now know its not a critical part of the head and its possible to run the heli fine without it.
But as i've got a M3 Tap and Die set that i've hardly ever used i'll try to sort the problem with a M3 sized screw and if that doesn't work i'll just run the heli without it like some of you suggested.

I'll let you know how i get on.

P.S Does the T500 build have many "spare" screws left at the end of the build that could be of use to me for this problem? i.e. M3 screws etc?

[ChasHeliCop]

Actually, there may be a M2.5 you could use. I know I have some I used on my 500, but I can't remember if they came with the it or I had them on the wall.

[LoveMyTrex]

mine had the same issue, I am just going to leave the head button off for now.

[robmoney]

I forgot about that!

YES, the head button on Align heads DOES and will break the pitch links in even a minor bobble or blade strike on a botched auto or flop over.

It's been so long since I ran head buttons on Align heads, I forgot about this as an additional problem...

Leave it off and just go fly!

[jonestrex450]

Well i fixed the problem by tapping a M3 hole and using a spare M3 screw. It worked a treat and the button fits perfectly now.

But after reading your posts on what some of the problem it causes i might just leave it off.

Well at least i've got a choice now anyway!

[JayKay]

Another choice that I think could solve my problem is to “Tap and Die” the hole into a M3 sized hole with a “Tap and Die” set that I own,
If you could get hold of an 8 BA tap (and screw) it will do the job without having to drill the hole first.
8BA screw size is 2.2mm.
I had the same problem as you and sorted mine with an 8BA screw. If you live near me in West Surrey I could do the job for you.
John.

[dieselracer]

Its not important. But i like mine with it on. It looks soo much better. Without it it doesnt look very good.

[jonestrex450]

If you could get hold of an 8 BA tap (and screw) it will do the job without having to drill the hole first.
8BA screw size is 2.2mm.
I had the same problem as you and sorted mine with an 8BA screw. If you live near me in West Surrey I could do the job for you.
John.

Thanks for the kind offer but i've already sorted it with a M3 screw now!

It's a good idea though anyway!