Breaker popping when operating landing gear

[Ronald Cecchi]

Hello all,
I am having issues with my 260 Turbo. When I operate the landing gear I am popping the gear breaker. It has happened both on extending the gear and retracting the gear. I had this problem a while back, and thanks to experts on this site, they recommended replacing my battery and it fixed my problem. But now it is back and since my battery was getting older assumed that was the problem but it was not. I guess I am looking for ideas either on mechanical, such a lubrication etc of gear, motor issues, or an electrical issue. Curious to see if others who have had this issue can offer some suggestions where to start. Thanks.

[LeWayne Garrison]

Can be many causes. First check your ammeter during retraction/extension, in flight. See if it is drawing too many amps, if it is not then your circuit breaker is weak. More likely it is binding in the cables or the bushings/bolts addressed in the bungee AD are bad. It can also be in the motor, transmission or motor brake.

Can check for binding by putting on jacks and raising/lowering both by motor and by hand, but remember the air loads significantly change the possibility of binding.

[Ronald Cecchi]

Thanks for the input. I am leaning towards a power issue. A new problem has surfaced in that the electric trim breaker popped when autopilot was on. I am concerned it is a power issue. The alternator failed last summer and was rebuilt and I am having concerns. The low voltage light seems to stay on longer after startup and at low idle than it did before. I will put it on jacks and check for binding though. Bungees were replaced last annual. thanks for the reply.

[LeWayne Garrison]

Alternators should put out full voltage even at very low rpm. So if your low voltage light stays on that indicates a problem. Low voltage will cause a increased amperage draw, which could explain your symptoms

[Jeff Munford]

How are your gear conduits? Suggest a call to Webco and/or Comanche Gear. Also, for everyone, a little "trick" to extend the life of your gear system. Most singles have the emergency gear extension bar. It's a big help to the system if you simply apply a few pounds of pressure on same to help the gear along. You will notice a significant drop in overall current draw if you do so. Also, if you haven't attended a CPPP training, do so. The best part (I believe) is the classroom instruction and the hands on training with their complete gear assy in a box. You get to see the gear transmission in action and get a complete explanation of the entire system.

Jeff Munford
ICS 17570