Installing the SE81-18 NLG Access Hole Plug Button
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2025 7:45 pm
SE81-18 can be viewed in the Service Bulletins & Service Letters section at viewtopic.php?t=260
See the below pics showing the open hole in the NLG drag link for accessing mounting hardware, including 1) removal of NLG access panel, 2&3) the open access hole in the drag link viewable in the NLG tunnel, 4) measuring hole diameter in our removed drag link confirming 7/8" size, 5) removed drag link with cracks, 6) shot of PN HS51248K1110 metal plug button, 7/8) rubber plug at removed drag link, 9) shot of the 23mm rubber plug installed I used instead of metal plug.
This is an ideal opportunity to closely inspect your drag link for cracks. Our drag link was replaced when the prebuy inspection found cracks viewable in the 4th pic below. Drag link replacement is a big project($13K parts & labor in 2020) that involves opening up the interior floor by removing floor panels that includes drilling out and re-rivoting those panels.
If you choose to install the metal plug per SE81-18 just buy a 7/8" metal plug at the hardware store for $1, instead of $10.56 from AirPower https://www.airpowerinc.com/hs51248k1110
I chose to use a removeable rubber plug from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTT5Y3Q2?re ... title&th=1 which is 4 for $6.19 because it will seal out the CO and still allow easy removal to look through access the hole with the borescope to inspect for cracks.
See the below pics showing the open hole in the NLG drag link for accessing mounting hardware, including 1) removal of NLG access panel, 2&3) the open access hole in the drag link viewable in the NLG tunnel, 4) measuring hole diameter in our removed drag link confirming 7/8" size, 5) removed drag link with cracks, 6) shot of PN HS51248K1110 metal plug button, 7/8) rubber plug at removed drag link, 9) shot of the 23mm rubber plug installed I used instead of metal plug.
This is an ideal opportunity to closely inspect your drag link for cracks. Our drag link was replaced when the prebuy inspection found cracks viewable in the 4th pic below. Drag link replacement is a big project($13K parts & labor in 2020) that involves opening up the interior floor by removing floor panels that includes drilling out and re-rivoting those panels.
If you choose to install the metal plug per SE81-18 just buy a 7/8" metal plug at the hardware store for $1, instead of $10.56 from AirPower https://www.airpowerinc.com/hs51248k1110
I chose to use a removeable rubber plug from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTT5Y3Q2?re ... title&th=1 which is 4 for $6.19 because it will seal out the CO and still allow easy removal to look through access the hole with the borescope to inspect for cracks.
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