TR2/3/3A scuttle vent actuator rod - TR3A

[NutmegCT]

Does anyone have a suggestion (besides using a bludgeon and a small nuclear device ...) for re-attaching the scuttle vent opener rod to the vent lift mechanism?

Mine was just lying in the scuttle vent opening; you had to open the vent by prying it up. The spring wasn't attached, and the rubber was hard and cracked.

I've got all replaced and working *except* for the actuator rod. The end of the rod has a short 90 degree bend at the tip, which should go through the hole in the pin which goes through the bottom swing arm of the mechanism.

But the pin with the hole (that the rod is supposed to enter) isn't moveable, and the hole points 90 degrees away from the angle of that bend in the end of the rod. You can fumble with it and get the bend into the hole if the bend is pointing up, but it immediately falls out. If the bend is pointing down, there's no way to get it into the hole as it's blocked by the arm that holds it.

Can't do this out of the vent box, as then there's no way to get the rod back through the openings through the firewall, as it won't bend enough.

grrrrrr

Thanks.
Tom

 

[TR3driver]

Beats me Tom, doesn't sound anything like my vent mechanism.
On mine, the rod is straight (no bend), and the pin with the hole will rotate. The exposed end of the pin is tapped for a setscrew, that bears on the rod and locks it to the pin.

I'd guess yours was the same, but the pin rusted solid and bent the rod, etc.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

I concur with Randall. Mine is the same as his. I would suggest you remove the mechanism, wire brush it and then soak it in penetrating oil. The operating rod can be straightened and the attachment needs to be free to rotate.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Mine is similar except the connection (lever to rod) is made with a clevis pin and spring nut.