LONG EZ manual gear won't stay up

[Dave in Eugene]

Greetings from Eugene Oregon...408 EZ has a new habit of the landing gear not staying up ...I have resorted to having it tied in position while in cruise...I remember someone converted a small socked wrench to help but it seems like there must be a better way...and I did not used to have this problem. I have searched the archives and not found this in the discussion and apologize if I have missed it.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dave

[LongEZDaveA]

I use the modified Craftsman 1/4" ratchet on my nosegear mechanism.  It has served me well.  I can't remember for sure, but believe that Curt Smith sold the product originally.

[go ez]

I use a loop of bungee rubber that I flip over the handle - whether locking up or locking down.
Light, cheap, visible security, and simple - just like Rutan suggested.
Regards
Steve

[easyrider]

I'd check the wear on the retract mechanism
I had a worn gear and it didn't lock over center on gear down and the the nose gear collapsed on landing
Expensive
Easyrider

[dorr]

The ratchet mod is available from:
87 THEERINGER, WILLIAM A.”WILD BILL” 6187 Manzanillo Dr., Goleta, CA 93117 805-680-0993(Cell) compositeaircft@aol.com Long EZ:N29EZ 1020 hrs (yellow) Retract O-235 Heaters, ratchet winder Santa Ynez Airport (KIZA)

I also have articles in my library on stopping the gear from rattling down - the chatter can be eliminated too.  David at CanardFinder.net