Strange marking on my 500L... Any ideas?

[bloom691]

Hello!

I was checking out my new 500L after maybe an hour of flying and I noticed a strange scratch/mark on the swash-plate. I can not see how it was made, so I am concerned in case it is something bad! Does anyone have any ideas? I am a novice pilot, so any assistance would be appreciated!

Here is a zoomed-out image:


And here is the area zoomed-in:


The upper plate has the same marking on both sides, but the lower black section only has the scratch on one side.

Thanks,

Mark

[Flyingzook]

Does the bottom of the ball link have a groove cut in it?

[bloom691]

No groove... But one the links is chewed-up. See the picture:


I will replace that link, just in case. If it was the link then how can it have scratched the red top-half of the swash? It is no where near that area and does not move relative to the red half.

Thanks,

Mark

[danfornow1]

Its on both the rotating and non-rotating section. IMO nothing to do with operation or the rotating section would be marked all the way around. Looks like damage from shipping, handling etc... but not from flying or running.

[Relisys190]

It certainly looks like in the 2nd photo the bottom of the ball link has a groove cut from rubbing on the lower swash area.

Keep an eye on it..

[bloom691]

Okay - let me replace the ball-link and see how it goes. Unless I should replace the swash just-in-case?

[Gladius]

Unless your swash is falling apart, there really isn't any way for that ball link to contact the swash. My guess is that you kicked up a rock while flying.

[RC/DC_5000]

Yep. I'd say a foreign object could've landed there... got pinched between the swash and plastic link, spun around, chewed up and spit out. Left a mark.

But... that gouge in your plastic link lines up perfectly with the angle of the swash. Can you move the bearing in and out? The bearing might be loose and it let the pitch link hit the swash. Thats surely possible.

I'd contact Align and let them know. You might need a new swash and they might need to work on their 500L swash plate QC.

[bloom691]

I will take a look - I ordered a new swash, just in case. I will see if it is loose or anything. I hope to be flying again tomorrow so I hope its nothing major!

[Kap'n Krunch]

Originally Posted by bloom691

I will take a look - I ordered a new swash, just in case. I will see if it is loose or anything. I hope to be flying again tomorrow so I hope its nothing major!

I would save the new swash until the inevitable and you really need it

[bloom691]

Flew fine yesterday and today - marking has not gotten worse so hopefully it was nothing. Thanks for everyones advice

[sunsetmaro]

My 500l swash has play between the two halves. It's not the bearing moving around. I think it's just not a very good swash. I want to upgrade mine but I building my 700e dfc and that thing is emptying my wallet right now..