Troubleshooting the Quicksilver MX ultralight aircraft airframe.

QUICKSILVER MX COMPRESSION STRUTS 
Several float plane pilots flying 503 equipped MXs with larger fuel tanks have reported the bending of the compression struts on early models. We were recommending the oversleeving of the compression struts to any plane which might be subjected to heavier than normal loads.

QUICKSILVER MX WING WIRE BOLTS
MX pilots have reported the BENDING AND OR FAILURE of the wing wire bolts on the MX. During normal preflight they have been able to simply reach up and remove the strut. To my knowledge none has ever fallen out during flight. 

It is suggested that this be a regular area of inspection, by all MX pilots. Over the years two solutions have been suggested for this problem. 

The first suggested solution was published in the EAA Light Plane World, in their March 1985 issue. The author of the report was Graham Lee, of Edmonton Alberta. I am sure that Mary Jones of EAA would be more than happy to forward this information to you. 

Pilots have reported several problems with the wheels used on the MX. 
In photo A the damage on the outer rim is caused by under inflation of the tire and hard landings. The damage to the centre of the rim is caused by excessive side loads on 
landing.

 
The damage in photo C was caused by excessive tire pressure. 
The solution to this problem is to check your wheels during preflight for any signs of abnormal wear. Also check your tire pressure on a regular basis. To much pressure results 
in the rims breaking where the bolts holding them together go. To little pressure results in the outer rim and bearing areas being damaged.

 
Another problem is the bolts used to hold the two rim halves together will back off allowing the tube to get pinched in the opening between the two rim halves, resulting in a flat tire.

Check these bolts during your routine preflight. 

Another frequently reported problem is in the loss of the whole wheel assembly, sometimes on take off other times when the craft is in flight. On the MX a pin with a safety ring, going through a short collar was used to keep the wheel fastened to the axle. In long grass, or muddy conditions the retaining ring can become damaged in such a way that it no longer retains the pin and thus the collar is allowed to fall off, followed very shortly by the wheel. 

If your aircraft is equipped with a pin using a safety ring it is strongly advised that you replace it with an AN bolt and self locking nut.

It has been reported by several Quicksilver MX owners that during routine preflight they have noticed abnormal wear on their lower tail boom wires, where they come in contact with the tail boom support tubes, in some cases the cables have sawed a hole through the tube, in other cases the lower tail wire had started to fray. 

The solution to the problem has been to rivet a cable guide or stand off on to the lower boom tube, (This still allows the cable to move yet any wear is in the plastic guide). 

Another solution is to switch to the lower boom tube conversion kit which stiffens up the tail and eliminates the lower wires. I personally prefer the second alternative, and 
have found it well worth the money.