PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-599
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 599
OCTOBER 2002
Cold Fuel
Water in fuel can form ice that blocks fuel lines. So keep fuel tanks topped off.
The gap between the top of the tank and the fuel is full of cold moist air. When
that moisture condenses, water drips into your fuel.
When you refuel a bird outside in sub-zero temperatures, always check the fuel
level before moving it inside. When an aircraft with a full fuel tank is moved into
the hangar, the fuel level will rise as the fuel warms and expands. Opening the
filler cap could give you a fuel spill to clean up.
Static electricity can ruin a cold day too, so be extremely cautious during refu-
eling. The lower the temperature, the drier the air, the more static electricity
becomes a fire hazard.
Static can result from aircraft moving through the air or by the movement of
frost or snow across the aircraft surface. Fuel flowing through the filler neck can
also generate a spark that could ignite the fuel.
So make sure you find a good
place to ground the aircraft. Also
make sure the aircraft and tanker are
electrically bonded together, and
the nozzle is electrically bonded to
the bird before you remove the cap.
When you’re freezing while refuel-
ing, you might be tempted to neg-
lect a ground or bond.
Don’t!
You
must follow grounding procedures
without shortcuts.
If you’re not using a closed circuit fueling nozzle, put the regular nozzle in all
the way. That keeps the danger of static down and reduces the chance for a spill.
PS 599
37
OCT 02
36
Cold Oil and Grease
Fuel is affected by cold weather but
so is oil and grease. As the mercury
plummets, fuel is harder to ignite, oil
thickens, and grease gels. So you must
use the right fuel and lube for cold
conditions. Follow your TMs’ recom-
mendations for the right fuel, oil, and
grease to use in winter.
When you service oil systems on a
stone-cold aircraft, never fill oil reser-
voirs to the brim. Otherwise, when the
oil heats up, you can count on cleaning
up oil overflows.
Oil leaks are a chronic problem in winter weather. So check connections, joints,
gaskets and seals regularly, especially during pre-flight inspections.
Cold Seals
Old Man Winter is unrelenting and seals and gaskets get the brunt of his blast.
When they contract due to cold, they
open the door for leaks. Moisture can
seep in around seals and freeze. The ice
formed will cut seals. Get familiar with
your bird’s vulnerable seal and gasket
trouble spots. Clean all exposed pistons
of servos daily to prevent ice and dirt
build-up. That will reduce the wear and
tear on seals and gaskets. Make sure all
leaks are taken care of.
Take
extra care
when you drain
fuel out of an
aircraft. If fuel
makes contact with
your skin, it can
cause
frostbite.
Be sure nozzle, aircraft
and tanker are bonded
Don’t
fill
to brim
you don’t
frighten me!
I’m
PM tough!
Drain the
sumps
daily.
look out
seals…
you’re
next!
When you take fuel
samples, drain
enough fuel to get
rid of all the water.
599. 36-37 (C)
8/28/02
3:06 PM
Page 1
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