Where is My Gear Fluid Dipstick??

tomcomet · #1 11-09-17, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotpat

Here's a pic taken looking down through the gap previously mentioned (the "20" is the radar range knob). The brass lever has to be rotated up and the thole thing pulled up and out. There is a hydraulic line to the right exactly in the way; I have to put my thumb under and my fingers over it to be able to reach the level.

This is great info Pat. Totally appreciate it. I will have a look tomorrow and report back.

TC

tomcomet · #2 11-09-17, 08:27 PM

Pat and Ed were correct with their their PIREPs. I took the entire right side lower panel off the radar unit and all was there in plain view. All it required was a good briefing. Sure enough, the fluid was down about 1 teaspoon (glad I bought a gallon...). Still above the line but... Not bad for a 40 year old aircraft with 25 hours of recent hard training flights (at least) since last this was looked at.

Now that I know what to look for and where I think I will be able to get to it from the small side access panel. I took the advice and tied a little rope around the dipstick as it would be all too easy to ruin your day by dropping it in the sump. Helps to find the bloody thing in tight quarters too..!

Here are some photos... Note the safety rope.

Thanks for the help guys!

edasmus · #3 11-10-17, 01:36 AM

Glad you found it! It looks like you have a nice Skymaster there from the pictures you have posted. Enjoy your new to you plane! I will say the maintenance can occasionally be somewhat frustrating but the airplane is simply wonderful to fly! I have and plan to continue to enjoy mine! It's hard to believe it has been 15+ years already.

Good Luck

Ed

tomcomet · #4 11-10-17, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edasmus

Glad you found it! It looks like you have a nice Skymaster there from the pictures you have posted. Enjoy your new to you plane! I will say the maintenance can occasionally be somewhat frustrating but the airplane is simply wonderful to fly! I have and plan to continue to enjoy mine! It's hard to believe it has been 15+ years already.

I am truly enjoying this airplane. We are very much in our Honeymoon phase of the relationship currently. We did have one big spat (new cylinder) but we got through that and I am looking forward to the relationship.

edasmus · #5 11-10-17, 11:20 AM

Just go into it with the understanding that the maintenance will never ever end. What you are experiencing so far is normal. The first year or two will be particularly trying most likely. Keep at it though (read: keep spending the money to get things or keep things right) and the airplane will treat you right!

general · #6 11-21-17, 04:42 PM

Sounds like you're really enjoying that plane. But that's a good question, I know the answer, as most of the rest of you do that are flying regularly and doing your pre flights. But I don't see anywhere else on the site that shows where the earlier SkyMasters fluid indicator is located on the old power packs. it might be helpful for the new owners. Also discussion about how fun it is to check it

hharney · #7 11-22-17, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by general

But I don't see anywhere else on the site that shows where the earlier SkyMasters fluid indicator is located on the old power packs. it might be helpful for the new owners. Also discussion about how fun it is to check it

The pre-1973 Skymasters DO NOT have a dipstick to check the fluid level. The power pack is gear driven pump on the engine, standard on the front engine, option on the rear engine. The hydraulic manifold (power pack) is located above the left foot of the pilot. Cessna decided to incorporate a sight gauge to visually check the hydraulic fluid. Good idea in concept but poor results as you cannot see the fluid level through the sight glass located on the exterior left side just below and in front of the storm window (small operating window at pilots left side). I have never seen a Skymaster which the sight gauge is viewable. If you know of one please speak up.

So the next question is "how does one check the fluid level?" Well my method is at every annual when the gear swing is performed the fluid is topped off from the fill port on the front firewall and when the gear swing is performed any excess fluid will pour overboard through the drain tube near the left front cowl flap. Have a catch basin (bucket) under the drain so that you don't make a mess on the floor. That's how you know it's full. Keep track of how much you put in and how much hit the bucket. Too much difference indicates a leak. Leaks are normally easy to detect as it will be red grease all over the belly. This discovery should pull up some red flags. If the fluid is low, during extreme angles of climb while retracting the gear it will take extra time for the gear to cycle and the gear could stop before it finishes and the pump will be cavitateing or sucking air. This is a good indication the fluid is low.

During the post gear swing flight, you may find additional fluid that drained out the overflow that will be all over the belly. This is probably not a leak so clean it up and keep an eye on it.

Ok, this doesn't really sound like a procedure that would be printed in a maintenance manual or official directions. This how I do it and would love to hear from your experiences.