[C320-list] Access to pedestal

[David Veeneman]

I’m in the process of replacing the compass on my C320, and while extracting a frozen screw from the pedestal, my screw extractor (about the size of a socket wrench head) slipped and fell into the pedestal. It looks like it fell to the bottom of the pedestal, and I’m not going to be able to fish it out from the top. Needless to say, I am very leery about going any deeper into the pedestal.

I have removed the cowling under the pedestal in the aft cabin, and I can see the bolts that I have to unscrew to free the pedestal. Before I do that, I want to learn what I’m getting into. Is it even possible to remove the bolts and lift the pedestal enough to reach under and remove a small part that has fallen to the bottom, like my screw extractor? If it is possible, is it advisable?

Thanks for your help.

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David Veeneman
Dana Point, CA
SV Adelante, C320 #131