34-04: Incorrect Flap Motor Length (the value of VAF Forums & the RV Community)

No sooner than 12 hours after i put up the post on the installation of the flap tubes & flap motor i got a conversation message on VAF from Tony (aka #stgiaro).

Tony points out, that the original stock motor (when extended) is 15 1/4" in length (or 10 1/4" retracted). I had not come across this figure before, and Tony was able to measure his original motor and indeed it is 10 1/4" long when retracted. This was backed up by an old post by Pat Hatch (from PH Aviation):

So since I had modified my flap motor mount brackets in accordance with the PG Aviation instructions, this moved the mount point 1.5" further away. 

This makes Tony's dimension totally correct - i need to install my rod end bearings so the motor (hole to hole) is 11 3/4" long when retracted (10 1/4" + 1 1/2" = 11 3/4"). This makes the extended dimension 16 3/4" (5" of throw). The dimension identified in the new Van's Instructions is not correct, as this relates to the use of the new, redesigned, Van's mounting brackets. 

Coincidentally, my mounting hardware arrived for the flap motor, so i was able to remove the rod end bearing and adjust it to the new dimension, then final install the flap motor using the new hardware. 

The top tape is the dimension of the old 'stock' motor. The middle tape is the dimensions of 11 3/4" retracted (showing how the new motor is 1.5" longer). As you can see, my rod end is clearly not screwed in enough.

Rod end adjusted to be 11 3/4" hole to hole length. This reminded me, in so many ways, of setting up a RC model for flight! 

11 3/4".

I was not able to use my trusty washer spanners here - could not get them to fit. So a bit of tape did the job.

Top hardware was AN5-15 bolt, with a AN5 thick and thin washer. 

The bottom hardware is as per plans - this uses a lock nut, as this bolt is not subject to rotation. The rod end bearing is clamped, and the bearing centre rotates in the bearing housing. 

Of course, as is tradition, i had to hook it up and give it a try!