Here is an update and questions on the original thread about needing a strut part - the fill valve. We now have not one but two different (used) parts from an L13 I am working with at this point. Pictures and Blanik manual documentation can be found at http://aviation.derosaweb.net/Blanik

One replacement part is the original Blanik type that connects to the Blanik T-handle fill apparatus (and then to a nitrogen bottle) via a sort of ball and socket affair. The internal valve itself is held in check inside the fitting by a spring that is part of the assembly and depressed by the T-handle. There appears to not be any rubber seal of any sort in the fitting or the adapter, just a metal on metal seal. The original fitting leaked big time at this ball/socket joint while the new one leaks just a little. We tried to fill the strut to ~450PSI but no joy with this assembly.

Now onto valve style #2. This uses a standard Schrader valve insert like on a car/cycle/bike. I heard from a couple of quarters that this is a US adaptation so that they didn't have to buy the Blanik fill adapter. The question is how to marry this with our nitrogen bottle. I was able to locate the correct brass fitting for the bottle's hose end (flare) that gives me 1/8" NPT which I can adapt that to most anything. But what do I do at the Schrader valve end? The idea of holding a standard chuck against the valve at 450 psi doesn't seem quite rational. Is there such a thing as a screw on chuck? Can't find one from any of several sources (Napa, Grainger, McMaster, etc).

Questions
======
- Is it possible to safely hand-hold 450 psi at the valve?
- We assume the strut should be filled without having to raise the fuselage to unload the strut. Yes? We tried it both ways and it didn't matter.
- The manual (see http://aviation.derosaweb.net/Blanik) alludes to filling the strut with liquid "only in the vertical position". Has anyone done this? Is the strut X% hydralic fluid and Y% nitrogen? How much is X and Y?
- The manual says at fully inflated the distance X (Fig 301) on the strut should be 13mm (about 1/2"). This location is conveniently located under the strut boot. Sigh.
- Does it appear that the strut is just BAD? Can it be rebuilt?
- How have you filled the strut?
- Anyone know of a back issue of Soaring mag. that deals with all this?

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks, John