Landing Gear-Delayed activation

[Bob Rosansky]

Hello,
During landing gear check on jacks. After several cycles in which the gear operated perfectly, there was a delay after the gear switch was put in the down postion before the motor activated. This happened a few times. There was no problem retracting the gear at all. The motor seemed to start all by itself with the switch in the down postion, without wiggling any wires or tapping on anything. Checked all wire connections, including ground, at the motor and found no problems.

Has anybody had this happen before? Suggestions on where to start?

Thanks,
Bob, St. Louis.

[md11flyer]

Bob, just guessing, but it sounds like your gear selector switch has dirty / sticky contacts. Try exercising the switch by selecting gear up/down several times with the master off. (if you can get your self under the panel and spray some electrical cleaner into the switch with out having it spray in your eyes that might help to clean the contacts while you exercise the switch.

Good luck,
Gary

[Bob Rosansky]

HI GARY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WILL TRY TO DO THAT.
IS THERE ALSO A GEAR RELAY IN THE SYSTEM? WHERE IS IT LIKELY TO BE LOCATED?
THANKS AGAIN.
BOB.

[Michael Bryant]

Bob,

Not sure which model you have, but in my 1960 -180, the gear relay is on the cockpit side of the firewall, upper left corner. On the engine side is the starter relay held by the same bolts.

Michael

[Bob Rosansky]

HI MIKE. THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION. MINE IS A 1960 180 ALSO. S/N 1742
IT HAS BEEN A PRETTY GOOD AIRPLANE. I HAVE HAD IT FOR 16 YEARS. ENGINE IS HIGH-TIME BUT STILL IS VERY GOOD. I WISH I HAD AN AUTOPILOT, BUT I DON'T AND THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE, I HAVE TIP TANKS THAT SOMEONE ADDED YEARS AGO, SO I HAVE A 90 GALLON CAPACITY. WOW, CRAZY.
THANKS AGAIN,
BOB IN ST. LOUIS