You start off by saying that you have an F50A which I presume to be an F50TLRA which is a 2002 model year motor.

However, you then mention a 1996 model year motor. What is the complete model identity for the motor in question?

The cap cannot be removed without removing the piston in any case. Caps don't normally need to be replaced but they can if one destroys the cap during removal. A cap for a 2003 F50 is one and the same as that for a 1996 or 2002 F50.

F50 AET Tilt leak

HI Guys thanx for fast reply. I will fill in the gaps.
Its an F50AET 62Y L #403698 X sold in New Zealand 1996 now with 440 hr. Essentially but have known it from new. It as not leaking before a major impact that wrecked the gearbox and leg and has leaked since.
Yes it still works but I needed to top up the ATF this summer a sit was faltering on lifting. Top up worked fine . Now I'm wanting to do the repair and hoping to do by self or with assistance of an Aircraft engineer friend.
My plan was to import the parts to nz then replace at home if possible and I did get all the O rings except the dust seal at top. This was a small investment compared to local shop rates believe me! Now I have looked more closely at the unit and the Parts diagrams online I see that 1996 replacement parts are only sold as complete units around $1000 nz dollars to import from USA. When looking forward in years in the parts catalogues individual parts looking very similar are available in 2003 (2002 was an error) which would amount about $100 nz dollars imported.
My plan was to attempt to change the top cap in situ by removing the top pin
Hopefully unscrew the cross member and fit a new cap assuming the seals in there were faulty . This model is pretty much the same as F50TLRU in American catalogues. Hope that all helps . Id prefer to avoid the full pulldown but an here for your sage advice. Thanx'
Davo

dude

your getting ready to open up the MOST complex T&T unit on the market.

to access what you wish requires removing the piston assy,dont lose the 6 balls.
then a special clamp tool to disassemble the piston sub assy.

best to carefully study the service manual.

Now that I think about it, I recall reading where someone removed the entire trim/tilt assembly and had the upper eye cut from the rod. He then unscrewed and slid the cap off the rod, replaced a number of seals that he had access to, reinstalled the cap and had the eye welded back to the piston.

There are a number of used units for sale but here in the states. I know shipping and taxes are a killer getting stuff to and into Australia.

Thats Done it

Great answers Guys , I was hoping the "weld" word wasn't part of the equation. It looks threaded.
Gunk it is first off then. Hopefully the third world has such a product, or I need to get out more.

One further question while I'm at it , This 1996 unit has never been flushed or had new fluid. I topped it up with some handy ATF to get me going so its a mix. DO u think I should drain and replace it with a Dextron product then add Gunk additive?

On second thoughts "silly question"