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This week, I inspected a Cessna 172. From a distance it appeared to be a really nice airplane, and it is. But at closer examination, as is often the case, there were a number of issues that needed to be addressed. In today’s episode, we’ll cover those issues and talk about what was discovered.
When I ran the engine on this airplane, I discovered the fuel primer nozzle was very stiff to move. The following picture is a similar primer nozzle I recently resealed on a Cessna 182. Notice how brittle one of the o-rings was… it broke in two! These primer nozzles are easily resealed with two new o-rings (MS 29513-012) and a very light coating of Krytox grease. After this, they work like new.
Here’s a one minute video of how stiff the primer was in that Cessna 172 when I was preparing to run the engine:
Here’s one of the two items I found on this airplane that were safety wired backwards. This oil drain plug safety wiring was quite nice-looking, but it was in the wrong direction. I corrected this after draining the oil.
If you need to learn how to perform safety wiring on your own airplane, check out my video tutorial course, Safety Wire Like A Pro! This course will teach you everything you need to know about quality aircraft safety wiring.
This Cessna 172 fuel strainer (gascolator) also needed a good cleaning.
And, when Dave, another A&P, removed the fuel strainer, he noticed the fuel would not shut off, so we’ll also need to reseal the fuel selector valve to make sure it will shut off the fuel when it’s in the “OFF” position.
The fuel tank drain valves also need attention, since the left one was leaking, and the right one would not even operate properly (it would not press to drain.)
Listen to the audio of today’s episode to get more details on these issues, and many more.
How about you? Has your airplane had a thorough inspection recently. I find there’s a wide range in the quality of inspections that are done on airplanes, depending on the inspector or the shop. Some are very detailed. Others are not nearly detailed enough. Yet another good reason to get your airplane inspected by a different set of eyes every few years!
Until next time, fly safely!
Great podcast.
I’ve been in industrial maintenance for over 25 years. What your thoughts on thread locking fluids like locktite or thread lock for lower temp applications? (Stuff breaks down in higher heat applications) Might be a good solution to prevent having to retorque rocker arm covers.
Thanks Rick, for your thoughts. Locktite might help… good idea. I still like to put a screwdriver on them at the annual… it doesn’t take long, and is good insurance.