PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-696
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 696
NOVEMBER 2010
39
38
PS 696
NOV 10
NOV 10
PS 696
COLD OIL AND GREASE -
Fuel
is not the only fuid aFFected by cold
temperatures. As temperatures dip, oil
thickens, Fuel gets harder to ignite and
grease gels. So you must use the right
Fuel and lube For cold conditions. The
lube order in your TMs list the right
Fuel, oil and grease to use.
When you service oil systems on a
stone-cold aircraFt, never ±ll it to the
brim. Otherwise, when the oil heats
up, the tank will overfow.
Oil leaks are a chronic problem in
winter weather. So check connections,
joints and seals regularly.
COLD BATTERIES -
Unless you’re in the deep Freeze For a long time, your
nickel cadmium batteries will do their job without much extra eFFort on your part.
But cold starts will shorten battery liFe.
So
when
possible,
bring
your
batteries
in
From
the
cold
iF
the weather prognostic-
ator
predicts
several
days
oF
sub-Freezing
temperatures.
IF
that’s
not possible, turn on the
landing lights, searchlight
or other components For
30
seconds
beFore
an
engine start.
That load will warm up the battery a bit. Always use an auxiliary ground power
unit (AGPU) on the ±rst start oF the day. It prevents a lot oF drain on cold batteries.
Sealed lead-acid batteries (SLAB) should be kept warm. Cold weather saps their
charge much Faster than it does a nickel-cadmium battery. IF you bring your batteries
inside, never store nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries in the same area. ²umes
From a lead-acid battery can cause a nickel-cadmium battery to discharge.
Store the batteries on a shelF or on dunnage, because bare foors
can drain batteries.
COLD SEALS -
Cold weather is hard on seals and gaskets. When they contract
due to the cold, that opens the door For leaks. Moisture can seep in around seals and
Freeze, and that ice can cut the seals. Make a list oF your aircraFt’s potential seal and
gasket trouble spots. Post that list next to these tips on your bulletin board.
So make sure your aircraFt has three good separate grounds: (1) aircraFt to ground,
(2) aircraFt to Fuel tanker and (3) the aircraFt to Fuel nozzle beFore removing the cap.
IF you’re Freezing while reFueling a bird, you might be tempted to neglect a ground.
Don’t!
You must Follow grounding procedures without taking any shortcuts.
Always ground aircraFt beFore opening the Fuel cap. Then always install the Fuel
cap beFore un-grounding. That’s because sparks can shoot between the grounding
cable and the aircraFt.
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 Fuel spill.
Use extra care iF you have to take Fuel out oF an aircraFt. ²uel spilled on bare skin
can cause instant Frostbite.
Be sure nozzle, aircraft and tanker are bonded
Never fill to the brim, but just below full
Bring batteries inside if sub-freezing temp-
eratures are expected to last several days
it’s so
cold!
I really need
you,
agpu!
I’m glad to
help
warm up
your batteries!
696.38-39.indd
1-2
9/27/10
10:59 AM
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