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R22 clutch switch


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Not sure what happened to my first post, my question was; Is the clutch switch in an R22 a polarity switch? Meaning does the clutch only tighten the belts when it's engaged or can it loosen them as well?

 

I've found out there is a clutch switch bypass thingamajig that you can plug in by the upper sheave that engages the clutch one way, and disengages it when flipped around. If I would have known about this contraption I wouldn't have had any questions about how it works.

 

Secondary question now, why is there not any mention of the light flickering in the POH? That light flickering is more unnerving than when it's steady for me.

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If the clutch is engaged and the light is on... the sheaves are moving apart, and the belts are tightening. You will notice in flight the light will illuminate from time to time as the belts warm up they slack, thus pressure is released from the stop switch, and it allows the motor to turn on, and they tighten.

 

Yes that clutch switch is more or less a polarity switch. Engaged only will expand the sheaves displacement, disengaged will only contract them.

 

This is exactly why we are to pay attention to how often that clutch light comes on in flight and for how long. If the limit or stop switch fails...it wont stop tensioning and belts break which means the flight portion of the ride has ended for that particular day.

 

We are not to disengage the clutch in flight if that light comes on. We are to pull the breaker. The reason goes back to your question and that polarity concern. If you disengage the clutch that clutch motor reverses and those belts will get slack. Slack belts wont drive the rotors, and the motor side sheave will still be spinning. Belts can also come off. Either way, this too will cause the flight portion of the ride to be over for the day.

 

Watch the light, if illuminated for more than 3-4 seconds be prepared to pull the breaker. My call is at 6 seconds. I think there was an update that removed the count to use for the breaker option, but it still says normal tension in flight is 3-4 seconds. SN-28 in the POH.

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Odd in deed. It was a great question, and one that many new students would have pondered and asked. It should have stayed. :(

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It's been a while since I flew a Robinson, but doesn't the light come on when you disengage the clutch also? I thought that during the shutdown, you watch until the clutch light goes out (disengaging the clutch) before turning off the battery.

You are correct.

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It's been a while since I flew a Robinson, but doesn't the light come on when you disengage the clutch also?

 

The clutch switch, by virtue of its position, routes DC power and ground to opposite sides of the clutch motor and clutch light. For disengagement, DC power to motor pin #2 and ground to motor pin #1. For engagement, DC power routes to motor pin #1 and ground to motor pin #2.

 

The over-travel limit switch and the down limit switch open respectfully to end the clutch engagement and disengagement cycle.

 

Anytime the clutch motor is running (engaging or disengaging) the yellow clutch light should be on.

 

See clutch actuator electrical trouble-shooting in your maintenance manual.

 

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Edited by iChris
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During my check ride the clutch in the R22 i was flying decided to act up and needless to say in the middle of a check ride I was not amused..... It flickered some on and off through out the flight then right after we touched down, the breaker pops out and it kept popping out. Thankfully the check ride was over at that point lol.

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I think the real question about the clutch is; How many of us who learned how to fly the 22 before Feb 2013 are going to feel comfortable waiting those extra 3 Mississippis before pulling that circuit breaker and landing immediately?

 

To be honest, once I get to 7 this eagle is landing!

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  • 2 weeks later...

I think the real question about the clutch is; How many of us who learned how to fly the 22 before Feb 2013 are going to feel comfortable waiting those extra 3 Mississippis before pulling that circuit breaker and landing immediately?

 

To be honest, once I get to 7 this eagle is landing!

No 22 time to date, but if I get any, I'm not counting Missisippi's. Too long. I'm counting eagles...to 5 !

 

 

edit cap

Edited by aeroscout
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  • 1 month later...
  • 3 weeks later...

In responce to your comment on the clutch light flickering....it is in the POH. Spend more time reading it cover to cover, the information inside is there for a reason.

 

Section 10 is a VERY important section. Reference safty notice 28.

Edited by WolftalonID
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