Section VII
Proper maintanance and general attention to detail will assure a long life and maximum reliability for your aircraft and it has been made surprisingly easy, fast and economical.
Exterior care
The painted surfaces of the aircraft have a long-lasting, all weather finish and should require no buffing or rubbing out in normal conditions. However, it is desirable to wax and polish it to preserve the outstanding exterior finish. It is recommended that wax or polish operations be delayed (at least 60 days after date of certification) to allow proper curing of the paint.
The paint can be kept bright simply by washing with water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive or harsh detergents. Rinse with clear water and dry with terry cloth towels or chamois. Oil and grease spots may be removed with kerosene or mineral spirits.
Note
No commercial paint removers are to be used on any airframe component unless specific prior approval has been received from the factory (see latest Service Manual).
If you choose to wax your airplane, use a good automotive-type wax applied as directed. The use of wax in areas subject to high abrasion, such as leading edges of wings and tail surfaces, propeller spinner and blades, is recommended.
Windshield, Canopy and Window care
It is recommended taht you keep the plexiglas in the canopy, windshield and cabin windows clean and unscratched. The following procedures are recommended:
- 1. If large deposits of mud and/or dirt have accumulated on the plexiglas, flush with clean water. Rubbing with your hand is recommended to dislodge exess dirrt and mud without scratching the plexiglas.
- 2. Wash with soap and water. Use sponge or heavy wadding of a soft cloth. DO NOT rub, as the abrasive action in the dirt and mud residue will cause fine scratsches in the surface.
- 3. Grease and oil spots may be removed with a soft cloth soaked in kerosene.
- 4. After cleaning, wax the plexiglas surface with a thin coat of hard polish-wax. Buff with a soft cloth.
- 5. If a severe scratch or marring occurs, jeweler´s rouge is recommended. Follow directions, rub out scratch, smooth, apply wax and buff.
REMEMBER! NEVER use gasoline, benzine, alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, fire extinguisher fluid, anti-ice fluid, lacquer thinner or glass cleaner to clean plastic. These materials will damage the plastic and may cause severe crazing.
Propeller care
Damage from foreign edges objects, sometimes referred to as "nicks", may appear in the leading edges of the propeller from time to time. It is vital that these nicks be corrected as quickly as possible. Such minor damage may cause stress concentrations and result in cracks forming in the propeller. Keep the blades clean and free of dirt or grass build-up. These type of foreign material on the propeller may cause an imbalance and accompanying vibration. We recommend cleaning agents such as carbon tetrachloride or mineral spirits followed by waxing or coating with a light film of oil.
Tire service
All tires and wheels are balanced at the factory prior to original installation. A similar relationship of the tire, tube and wheel should be maintained. If vibration is encountered, it may be due to out-of-round or out-of-balance conditions. When wheel, tire or tube is replaced due to wear, it is recommended that they be re-balanced.
Battery service
The battery is accessible by opening the top cowl. The battery is equipped with an overboard manifold vent, thereby eliminating the need for the battery box to be vented. The battery is rated at 12 volt, 25 ampere-hours. It should be inspected periodically for proper fluid level. If the fluid level is found to be low, fill as recommended by the battery manufacturer. DO NOT fill above the visible battery baffle plates.
Brake service
The Aircraft Service Manual oulines procedures to use in the case of soft or ineffective brakes.
Fuel Requirements
Aviation grade fuel 80/87 octane minimum or grade 100/130 AVGAS with 2 c.c. tel. max.(Refer to the latest revision of Lycoming Service Instruction No.1070.)
Oil Requirements
New engines have been carefully run-in by Avco Lycoming and therefor no further break-in is necessary insofar as operation is concerned; however, new or newly overhauled ebgines should be operated on STRAIGHT MINERAL OIL for a minimum of 50 hours or until oil consumption has stabilized. After this period a change to an approved additive oil may be made, if so desired.
| Aviation Grade *Recommended Grade Oil | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Ambient Air | Mineral Grade | Ashless Dispersant |
| Above 60°F | SAE 50 | SAE 40 or SAE 50 = D100 |
| 30° to 90°F | SAE 40 | SAE 40 = D80 |
| 0° to 70°F | SAE 30 | SAE 40 or SAE 30 |
| Below 10°F | SAE 20 | SAE 30 |
*Refer to latest revision of Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1014.
| Oil Sump Capacity | 8 U.S. Quarts |
| Minimum Safe Quantity in Sump | 2 U.S. Quarts |
It is recommended that the lubricating oil be changes every 50 flying hours.
Note
After the first twenty-five hours operating, new engines should undergo draining and renewing lubricating oil.