More Loc-Tite!

[Rajii]

While flying the 500esp this weekend I noticed that it was very difficult to maintain any control and things just seemed out of whack. Back at home I found the issue. I use the standard blue loc-tite on everything, but for some reason these screws backed out. Only 35 flights since last repair/rebuild too. Anything I could do different?

[ChopperNoob]

Loctited screws shouldn't really come loose like that. My guess is that maybe your screw threads were contaminated with oils or grease before you assembled them. I use loctite in this hobby and in my job and ive never seen screws come loose like that before. Even in worn threads. Maybe try cleaning your threads with acetone or brake/clutch cleaner before assembly see if that helps.

[torpedoarmed]

Close call. I have had allot of teardowns and rebuilds because of a single crash that gave me the vibes on a FBL 500. Because of that allot fo thread lock was used and built up in the threads on the screws and holes.

I bought a set of tap/dies 2.00/2.5m/3.00 mm and the first clean out of these threads was shocking. I specifically remember the tailcase threads where the fine attaches is was so gunked up.

I would suggest the 50.00 USD investment, you have already seen an instance where this would be minor compared to the possible crash costs.

When using them, I coated the tap or die with mavel oil to avoid messing the threads up. Once cleared of the gunk I used a can of carb/choke cleaner to blast the oil residue out and make for a prepared surface perfect for new loctite.

Chris

[ddj74]

Never had an issue with the blue locktite. Matter of fact when i go to take something off i almost have a hard time getting the part undone. As said before possibly oils or maybe not enough locktite applied. I usually use a toothpick and apply the locktite into the threads to make sure its coated decently but make sure not too much.

[Blayd]

As stated.. it was probably oil contamination.. loctite WONT set up if there's oil in the mix.. it stays a liquid. And it doesn't take much. I always use acetone over alcohol.. both work to clean, but Acetone evaporates very quickly.. alcohol can take some time depending on how much you use...and it , too can cause breakdown of the Loctite if its not totally dry before you use the Loctite. You just have to be careful with Acetone.. it can ruin some plastics... but so can Loctite.. Acetone just does it faster.
Another thing.. I'm glad you got lucky and got it down in one piece.. BUT.. ( yes.. here's the old mans lecture...) I do a FULL preflight and Post flight inspection. I know, I know.. over kill.....I treat these things like I did when I flew small planes...Every thing I can get a driver on, gets checked before flight day, and when I have time after flight day. I mean EVERYTHING. It sounds anal, I know... but it increases your chances of finding a problem BEFORE its a disaster.
Good on you for realizing there was an issue and bringing it in before something really bad happened....

OH.. and a note... the cap screws that hold the seesaw... not the ones that hold the arms....I just recent had a set strip out the block they screw into...I had to replace it...once I saw how short the threads are in those.. I' am surprised there arent more issues with them.....be sure to check the block really well...

[Rajii]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely be taking a little more time to make sure everything is clean and loctite is applied.

On he bright side, I was able to fly enough to put a pretty decent groove in the arms and not crash! Must be getting a little better!

[Blayd]

.....

[Mateyhv]

Never had problems with the blue loctite. I always apply small quantities, only two or three thread covered and it holds great.