Adding a couple of extra points:

If you decide to replace the springs, the compresion style springs are
considerd better than the expansion type and
don't be surprised if the spring on one side is larger than that on the
other. - This is done to eliminate the resonance that would occur with two
identiacal springs.

With an American engine, the heavier spring goes on the right. A European
engine (Yak52TW for example) requires the heavy spring on the left.


"Steve B" wrote in message
om...
I have a Starduster SA100 with a Scotts tailwheel. The tailwheel is
not tight on the springs it is loose and the wheel can be moved a few
inches each direction before the springs make contact.

I would think that there should be no play in the springs... my
thought is that it could cause shimmy and also make it unstable on the
ground?

The person that I bought the plane from has been flying it that way
and made no comments about the tention.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Steve