HELP! Gas Kicker Repair

[aod]

Someone a couple on months ago submitted a post about how they repaired a gas kicker using a Ford gas strut. I have searched the forum in vain because I can't find the author who's brains I would dearly like to pick

Anyone any ideas?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bigmart]

I think that was an article in PBO. As someone who supplies Gas Springs I thought the information was laughable & potentially dangerous. Be very careful if you decide to follow the advice given in the magazine. Gas Springs are marvelous devices but can be very dangerous if used in the wrong way. Whilst it may seem simple to swap a Car Gas Spring for the one in your Rod Kicker a catastrophic failure could result & I have heard tales of people losing Arms when this happens. The most vulnerable part of a Gas Spring (in normal use) is the piston rod. To use a car spring specification (Chrome Plated Steel) rod would severely limit the life of the spring. A marine specification spring (Stainless Steel rod)should be used as the C.P. Steel type will corrode rapidly in the salt atmosphere. I would also recommend a protective tube over the Piston Rod if that were not protected by the design of the Kicker. Needless to say Marine Spec Springs cost considerably more than Car Springs.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[aod]

The guy ex Proctor told me that they did use automotive springs and that they did severely corrode but I would replace it with a marine one if I knew where to get one and it fitted. If you have any ideas I would be very grateful to hear them.

Many thanks for your response.

Richard

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[bigmart]

It depends on the information you have.

If you,ve got a working Gas Spring you could send it to me & I can get the Spec checked.

If all the gas has leaked out then there may be a Force spec on the side of the Cylinder, this will be shown in the form of Newtons ie. say 350N or something like that. We would also need to know the extended length, the closed length, the diameter of the piston rod, the diameter of the cylinder & what type of end fittings it has. There are other things that can be supplied. Extra oil chambers can extend the life of the spring & I already mentioned a protective tube over the Piston.

I know it sound like a lot of info but if you think about it all it amounts to is how big is it? What Stroke is it? How powerful is it? & finally what extra Gizmo's do you want.

Be warned Stainless steel bespoke Gas Springs are expensive.

I am not touting for business but if you want to persue this further it would be easier if I sent you some information & perhaps we could discuss your application on the telephone.

Martin

<hr width=100% size=1>