Hi all, some advice from the experts if possible please

We're installing a GFC500 in to a 1961 180D and run in to an issue with the aileron balance / carry thru cable. It has a turnbuckle at each end rather than the usual single turnbuckle at the right wing bellcrank

There is a note in the Maintenance Manual stating the turnbuckle can be located at either left or right bellcrank.

The IPC is standard Cessna with a lack of detail, but it does call up 4 turnbuckles in the system (rather than the usual 3, ie 1 on each direct cable and 1 on the carry thru cable)

Anyone noticed this or recall if it's been seen before? The issue is the roll servo bridle cable clamps to the carry thru cable close to the left bellcrank, however it won't fit with the turnbuckle

I want to determine if the 2 turnbuckles are in fact correct per the IPC, or we replace the cable. Not a big cost, but a cost nonetheless. All advice appreciated!

On my C180B, the carry-thru cable only had a turnbuckle on the right bellcrank, both as purchased and when it was replaced by a new McFarlane part.

Thanks heaps for your reply jrc, yes that's the configuration I expected, however the IPC does state 4 turnbuckles...

You might see if you can find the McFarlane P/N for the carry-thru for your 180, and if there’s a photo, confirm if it’s one or 2 turnbuckle. Or, call ‘em up and ask. I personally try to have faith in the official documentation, but have been let down in the past. For example, my 180’s service manual description for rigging the horiz stabilizer is exactly 180 deg wrong! Also, did you look through all the revisions? Good luck!

jrc111 wrote:You might see if you can find the McFarlane P/N for the carry-thru for your 180, and if there’s a photo, confirm if it’s one or 2 turnbuckle. Or, call ‘em up and ask. I personally try to have faith in the official documentation, but have been let down in the past. For example, my 180’s service manual description for rigging the horiz stabilizer is exactly 180 deg wrong! Also, did you look through all the revisions? Good luck!

Yep, call Mcfarlane and ask. They'll tell you the configuration of the cable and the length.

That being said, I suspect that your cable may be field fabricated. I don't recall seeing 2 turnbuckles on that cable ever. Most of my experience is on later wagons though.

FWIW my early C180 IPC seems to indicate turnbuckles at both ends of the carrythrough.

hotrod180 wrote:FWIW my early C180 IPC seems to indicate turnbuckles at both ends of the carrythrough.

Yes, this was my dilemma! I've never seen one with two turnbuckles, but the IPC suggests it does. I had a very detailed response from McFarlane stating they've never seen two turnbuckles either. I'm going to replace the cable with a standard config

Just shows mods are never as straightforward as expected. Some customers understand, others don't

So a big thanks to McFarlane, and also a big thanks to the Garmin GFC team, they really bent over backwards to research it as well

FYI, we're installing a GNX375 and GFC500 in the 180, it already has dual G5's and a GTN650, nice combo

And thanks all for your replies, much appreciated!