Build Story
Periodic Maintenance N178MT
Butch W.
Chapter 1 of 3
Ya’ll going to make me lose my mind, UIH…
Jul 31, 2026
UIH,
N178MT, a Vario MD 900, is in the RCHeliwerks shop for maintenance. After an incoming inspection, it was time to pull the main gear box assembly for better access and inspection of the rotating parts. After the MGB was removed and the assembly visually inspected, it is in great shape. We will get a better look at the assembly over the weekend.
Here are some pics of the removal of the MGB and the interior structure that was custom made to support the e-conversion.
Thanks for dropping by.
Enjoy,
Butch.
9 Comments
Super clean setup !
Thanks,
Its going to get some upgrades and a fresh look.
B
Nice engineering !
A ball raced swashplate retainer (rotating scissors) would be better and requires no service. Vario part Nr. 68/20 (10mm) or 68/50 (12mm) depending on the shaft size.
That's the one on the way.
B
That Jesus bolt!?!?!?! No words……
Yea Right!!!
Do you think the bolt was a lower grade?
I do not remember when the last time that bolt was replaced. This bolt, P/N 053, is the bolt that is supplied with rotor head P/N 705/30 and is also used on the tail grips to hold the tail blades. The description has G-12 so would guess its a pretty strong bolt. The shank is not threaded so is the correct bolt to use in this application.
I wonder if the slop in the follower was the root cause over time. The follower have been replaced with P/N 68/20 which is ball raced opposed to the pins installed on the original driver. The bolt will be inspected and or replaced on a regular basis moving forward.
UIH,
B