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Changing engine door cylinders

March 23, 2018, 01:41:37 pm

Does anyone know the trick to replacing engine door hyd. Cylinders.  They need to be compressed approx. 1 in.  Just curious if anyone has changed these before.

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Re: Changing engine door cylinders

Reply #1 – March 23, 2018, 01:46:00 pm

There are posts before on this do a search. The use of a ratchet tie down is the tool most used.

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Re: Changing engine door cylinders

Reply #2 – March 23, 2018, 01:57:09 pm

Thanks craneman.

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Re: Changing engine door cylinders

Reply #3 – March 23, 2018, 04:30:08 pm

The ratchet tie downs worked great.  Thanks.

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Re: Changing engine door cylinders

Reply #4 – March 23, 2018, 05:04:12 pm

I did it last year.  I agree that a ratchet tie down is necessary.  Be sure to brace the door in the up position - it is really heavy and one strut will not hold it up.

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Re: Changing engine door cylinders

Reply #5 – March 24, 2018, 05:04:41 am

These 300 lb 26.3 were easy to install.  I first put a pair on my bed (I have a very heavy Serta thick memory foam mattress).  I could raise the engine cover up enough to install, they are working perfectly.  I used A PAIR(2) 26.3 in Gas Strut Shock Spring prop rod lift 300 lb.

Ordered a second pair for the rear engine outside opening.  These seemed impossible to install as they were an inch to long.  I tore a couple ratchet tie straps.  Then I used the following by drilling out a little bit on each end to hold the strut steady.  Then I helped collapse the bar clamp with a ratchet tie strap to compress the strut.  It worked perfectly.  Next summer I will replace these with approx 225 to 250 lb units as the 300 make the rear door too hard to close.  The factory struts were 170 lbs.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-36-in-Heavy-Duty-Bar-Clamp-DWHT83269/303115029

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