Length of tail rotor push rod

[jpainter]

I am at the stage in assembly of my new Ion-X kit where I am putting the graphite tail rotor push rod (PN: 0868-15) in and I have noticed that it is approx. 60mm too long (it extends about 60mm past the center of the tail boom mounted servo when connected to the tr ball link). Did I make a mistake in the assembly of the tail boom, etc... or do I need to cut to the push rod to length?

Thank you, -John

[MinAirChris]

Here's how I do it;

-Thouroughly clean the pushrod tube inside and out using laquer thinner or similar.

-For this process, I like to use JB Weld liberally and make nice clean joints where the threaded rod exits the pushrod using my fingers to make fillets.

-Make sure you have all the components fully seated together and aligned, i.e.
boom in frame clamps and tail case in boom, tighten all the bolts.

-Turn on you radio gear and get the rudder servo centered, use one of the 6 point arms and rotate it so as to have the proper arm pointing straight up perpendicular to the boom. Screw in the ball at the outermost hole on the arm. Also screw in the ball that goes into the center hole of the tail belcrank.

-Glue in the 868-6 threaded rod into the front of the pushrod at least 20mm. When the glue is dry, screw on the ball link, Not all the way, leave some room for later adjustment.

-Slide the rod through the 868-5 keeper and pop the ball link onto the servo ball.

-Making certain the the servo stays centered, also center the tail pitch slider so that the tail belcrank is perpendicular to the boom.

-Screw the link for the rear onto the 868-6 threaded rod as before leaving some room for adjustment either way and pop it onto the ball that is screwed into the center hole of the tail belcrank.

-Keeping the alignment as above, overlay the pushrod and rear 868-6 rod then wrap a piece of tape around the pushrod where you need to cut it. Remember to leave the 868-6 rod long enough so that at least 20mm of it will be inside the tube.

-Cut the pushrod, a Dremel with cutoff wheel works great for this.

-Apply glue to the 868-6 rod and push it into the pushrod the prescribed 20mm. Make certain that you still have the proper alignment of your servo horn and tail belcrank.

-Leave the helicopter alone until the glue dries...done.

Chris

[jpainter]

Thank you for the excellent summary. -John