Where is My Gear Fluid Dipstick??

pilotpat · #1 11-08-17, 07:43 AM

This picture should allow some orientation, note the friction lock at the top. The dipstick is behind my shoulder, and the hatch in the panel (removed) is about where the blue hydraulic fittings are. You have to move your hand though the hatch and a bit aft to get to the dipstick. Pat

pilotpat · #2 11-09-17, 05:35 AM

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.

tomcomet · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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!