Canopy Latch gas strut
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- Rick
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Canopy Latch gas strut
Does anyone know the part number for the gas strut in the DA40 canopy latch? It's Diamond part number D41-5211-60-91, but they are currently out of stock. Mine is shot and needs to be replaced. I would like to find a source for this - I'm sure it is just a standard strut I could buy somewhere locally, if I knew the part number. But I can't see the strut without removing it, which requires disassembling and removing the entire latch mechanism, which requires removing the canopy. I would prefer to do that only once. If anyone knows the underlying part number, I would appreciate the information. Here is a picture of the mechanism with the gas strut showing (from a Diamond document):
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- mhoran
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
I'm also looking to replace this part on my DA40. I had the front canopy open in flight last Spring, due to a crack in the rod that connects this lever to the locking pin that enters the frame. After replacement, the canopy opened in flight once again, this time due to lack of pressure provided by a dead gas strut.
If my mechanic does manage to replace the strut (we're down for an annual right now -- which has lasted almost a month due to a delay in inspection of the pilot seat belt assembly), I'll let you know how he got the replacement.
FWIW, you do NOT need to remove the canopy to replace this part. We had to pull out this assembly to adjust the rod when it popped out the second time, and we managed to do so without removing the canopy. It was a bit tricky but we were able to do so with the canopy in place.
If my mechanic does manage to replace the strut (we're down for an annual right now -- which has lasted almost a month due to a delay in inspection of the pilot seat belt assembly), I'll let you know how he got the replacement.
FWIW, you do NOT need to remove the canopy to replace this part. We had to pull out this assembly to adjust the rod when it popped out the second time, and we managed to do so without removing the canopy. It was a bit tricky but we were able to do so with the canopy in place.
- krellis
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
I know I'm beating a dead horse here, but...
These are certified airplanes. If there is a Diamond part number associated with the part, that is the part you need to replace it with. If it had a NAPA part number, you would be expected to use that part as a replacement.
Yes I know the likelihood of being ramp checked, etc. etc. - but per the regs, you need to replace parts with the same part number or one that is PMA'd. I'm sure some of you may have a different reading of the FAR's.
These are certified airplanes. If there is a Diamond part number associated with the part, that is the part you need to replace it with. If it had a NAPA part number, you would be expected to use that part as a replacement.
Yes I know the likelihood of being ramp checked, etc. etc. - but per the regs, you need to replace parts with the same part number or one that is PMA'd. I'm sure some of you may have a different reading of the FAR's.
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
You are correct. I've done this, also. Not to replace it, but to try and figure out what was the root of a kind of grating noise as it compressed. Never did figure it out and put it back in years ago and just lived with it.mhoran wrote: FWIW, you do NOT need to remove the canopy to replace this part. We had to pull out this assembly to adjust the rod when it popped out the second time, and we managed to do so without removing the canopy. It was a bit tricky but we were able to do so with the canopy in place.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
- Colin
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
That gas strut was replaced while my plane was at the factory. I was having to hold the lever closed on takeoff and occasionally nudge it closed in flight. It never popped all the way open, but it was annoying. Now it is like new.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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- Steve
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
Interesting, but my latch assembly (2001) does not have a gas strut. It also does not self-unlatch in flight...
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
Hm, I didn't think the gas spring strut has any role in keeping the canopy latched. This from the AMM:
With the canopy fully closed, push the canopy handle towards the canopy frame. This engages
the locking bolts in the fuselage holes. The spring assisted over-center lock holds the handle
in the closed position. The left locking bolt operates the micro-switch for the door unlocked
warning light (DOOR OPEN or DOORS). When the handle is flush with the canopy frame, the
canopy is locked. Push up on the rear of the canopy frame to make sure that it is locked.
This spring over-center technique is widely used in holding things in place. Most motorcycle side- and center-stands use this technique, for example. You should feel the latch go over-center as the spring is relaxed in the last 1/2 inch as you close it and feel it again as you open the latch.
My canopy strut is pretty well shot. It does have enough oomph to hold the canopy open once it's up, but inhibits the canopy not at all from slamming down if I let it free-fall with the rear door open. Yet I've had no problems with the canopy latch wanting to come undone.
With the canopy fully closed, push the canopy handle towards the canopy frame. This engages
the locking bolts in the fuselage holes. The spring assisted over-center lock holds the handle
in the closed position. The left locking bolt operates the micro-switch for the door unlocked
warning light (DOOR OPEN or DOORS). When the handle is flush with the canopy frame, the
canopy is locked. Push up on the rear of the canopy frame to make sure that it is locked.
This spring over-center technique is widely used in holding things in place. Most motorcycle side- and center-stands use this technique, for example. You should feel the latch go over-center as the spring is relaxed in the last 1/2 inch as you close it and feel it again as you open the latch.
My canopy strut is pretty well shot. It does have enough oomph to hold the canopy open once it's up, but inhibits the canopy not at all from slamming down if I let it free-fall with the rear door open. Yet I've had no problems with the canopy latch wanting to come undone.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
- Steve
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
Mine is getting that way, too. I replaced the rear hatch strut last year, will probably do the front one next annual. I did find a US source for these struts.Rich wrote: My canopy strut is pretty well shot. It does have enough oomph to hold the canopy open once it's up, but inhibits the canopy not at all from slamming down if I let it free-fall with the rear door open. Yet I've had no problems with the canopy latch wanting to come undone.
Steve
- BkFlyer
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
I believe the strut was added in MÄM 40-139 in later models (2006-7?). I couldn’t find the original supplement for that.Steve wrote:Interesting, but my latch assembly (2001) does not have a gas strut. It also does not self-unlatch in flight...
- Rich
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Re: Canopy Latch gas strut
Now I get it. We've been talking about different things. The older models (like mine) have a simple coil spring in the latch. So I thought the OP was referring to the canopy strut. Sorry about that.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5