VM-17 Tool change (Broken washers)

[plane captain]

I'm having trouble getting a tool into the spindle. I'm pressing tool reset button on the front panel and the draw bar actuates, however the detente balls will not disengage enough to allow the retention knob through. The previous owner did not use the tool changer. I wonder if it needs to be disassembled and cleaned. Thanks ,Chris.

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[ZZZZ]

There can be several reasons the tool is difficult to insert or remove.

The first step would be to make sure you have around 100 psi air pressure to the drawbar cylinder.

Step two is to see that the cylinder actually moves enough to compress the belleville washers.

Step three would probably pull the drawbar out to make sure the washers aren't cracked or broken,
broken washer pieces can slip between the others to make the stack too long to allow enough stroke to release the tool.

While you have the drawbar out, inspect the washers and polish the shaft to remove any nicks,etc.
Make sure the ball lock cylinder and its setscrew are tight, grease each washer and the balls when you re-assemble, and then tension the drawbar with the top nut and its setscrew. Here is a sheet on the process:

This should make the problem go away.

[plane captain]

Thank you ZZZZ , will do today.

[plane captain]

I removed the draw bar and found broken spring washers. Does this assembly look stock? Should I replace them all?

[ZZZZ]

it looks like a typical drawbar of its age to me.
Other than the belleville washers, the parts should be re-usable.
Contact SportyBob for a replacement set of washers.
Follow the instructions on the info sheet for re-assembly.

[sportybob]

I have a nice kit that has the 90 washers and 4 ball lock balls.

PM me.

Sportybob

[DFPortland]

sportybob, I have a similar problem and want to rebuild the drawbar. How much for the washer kit and lock balls? dfportland 609-859-3000 ask for Dave. Can we do PayPal?

[sportybob]

Hi Dave, PM me with your Contact info, and shipping address
PayPal is fine.

sporty bob

[Jim27]

Hey Bob, I tried to PM you but your box is full. I wanted to ask the price of the washer and lock ball kit. Thanks.