SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141
Piper PA-23 Apache · Maintenance Manual
Overview
This document is a Service Letter from Piper Aircraft, Inc. detailing maintenance procedures for the Gascolator used in various Piper aircraft models, including the Piper PA-23 Apache. The letter outlines the importance of maintaining the Gascolator to ensure the reliability of the fuel system. It specifies compliance requirements for affected models, including initial and recurring maintenance intervals. The document is intended for maintenance personnel and aircraft owners to ensure proper upkeep of the Gascolator, which is crucial for separating contaminants from the fuel system. The procedures provided are to be followed during regular maintenance events, emphasizing safety and compliance with FAA regulations.
- Initial compliance with Gascolator maintenance should occur within the next 50 hours of operation.
- Recurring maintenance is required every 90 days or every 50 hours, whichever comes first.
- The Gascolator is crucial for separating contaminants from the fuel system.
- Safety precautions must be taken when draining fuel to prevent fire hazards.
- Documentation of compliance with maintenance procedures is mandatory in the aircraft logbook.
Document
Source
Originally published by www.stevesaircraft.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Maintenance Manual
- Year
- 2011
- Pages
- 5
- File size
- 137 KB
- Publisher
- www.stevesaircraft.com
Common. Rarer than 8% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-23 Apache.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Free — save the PA-23 Apache 150 to your watchlist and track it in one place.
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In this document
Models Affected
The Service Letter applies to a range of Piper aircraft models, including the PA-23 Apache, PA-23-160 Apache, and several others. Specifically, it covers PA-23 Apache serial numbers 23-1 through 23-1182 (except 23-1177) and PA-23-160 Apache serial numbers 23-1177 and 23-1183 through 23-2046.
Compliance Time
Initial compliance with the maintenance procedures should coincide with the next scheduled maintenance event, not exceeding 50 hours of operation. After the initial compliance, recurring maintenance should be performed every 90 calendar days or every 50 hours of operation, whichever comes first.
Gascolator Maintenance Instructions
The document provides detailed instructions for Gascolator maintenance, including steps to identify the Gascolator configuration, remove power from the aircraft, drain fuel, clean components, and ensure proper reinstallation. It emphasizes safety precautions when handling fuel and the importance of using the correct safety wire.
Documentation of Compliance
After completing the maintenance procedures, a logbook entry must be made to document compliance with the Service Letter. This ensures that maintenance records are up-to-date and that the aircraft is compliant with safety regulations.
Materials Required
The maintenance procedure requires safety wire (MS20995-C32) for securing the Gascolator components. Parts should be procured locally as needed.
Safety notes
- Ensure no fire hazard exists before starting engine when draining fuel.
- Use caution when handling fuel and follow safety procedures for Gascolator maintenance.
Full document text
SERVICE NO. 1141 L E T T E RPiper Aircraft, Inc. 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A. 32960 Date: April 27, 2011 (S) (M) ATA: 2800 (OVER) SUBJECT: GASCOLATOR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED: J-2 Series ALL J-3 Series ALL J-4 Series ALL NE-1, L-4 ALL PA-11 Series ALL PA-15/17 Series ALL PA-16 Series ALL PA-18 Series ALL PA-20 Series ALL PA-22 Series ALL PA-23 Apache 23-1 through 23-1182 (except 23-1177) PA-23-160 Apache 23-1177, 23-1183 through 23-2046 PA-23-235 Aztec 27-505 through 27-622 PA-23-250 Aztec 27-1 through 27-4916, 27-7304917 through 27-8154030 PA-E23-250 Aztec 27-2505 through 27-4916; 27-7304917 through 27-7554168 PA-24 Comanche 24-1 through 24-3687 PA-24-250 Comanche 24-1, 24-103 through 24-3687 PA-24-260 Comanche 24-3642, 24-4000 through 24-5034 PA-24-400 Comanche 26-2 through 26-148 PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser 28-20001 through 28-26946; 28-7125001 through 28-7725290 PA-28-150 Cherokee 28-03; 28-1 through 28-4377 and 28-1760A PA-28-160 Cherokee 28-03; 28-1 through 28-4377 and 28-1760A PA-28-180 Cherokee 28-03; 28-671 through 28-5859; 28-7105001 through 28-7205318 PA-28S-160 Cherokee 28-1 through 28-1760 and 28-1760A PA-28S-180 Cherokee 28-671 through 28-5859; 28-7105001 through 28-7105234 PA-28-235 Cherokee 28E-11; 28-10001 through 28-11378; 28-7110001 through 28-7710089 PA-28-236 Dakota 28-7911001 through 28-8611008; 2811001 through 2811050 PA-28-151 Warrior 28-7415001 through 28-7715314 PA-28-161 Cadet 2841001 through 2841365 MAINTENANCE ALERT SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141 PAGE 2 of 5 MODELS AFFECTED: (continued) SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED: PA-28-161 Warrior II 28-7716001 through 28-8616057; 2816001 through 2816109 PA-28-161 Warrior III 2816110 through 2816119; 2842001 through 2842305 PA-28-180 Archer 28-E13; 28-7305001 through 28-7505260 PA-28-181 Archer II 28-7690001 through 28-8690062; 2890001 through 2890205 PA-28-181 Archer III 2890206 through 2890231; 2843001 through 2843672 PA-28-201T Turbo Dakota 28-7921001 through 28-7921095 PA-28R-180 Arrow 28R-30002 through 28R-31270; 28R-7130001 through 28R-7130013 PA-28R-200 Arrow 28R-35001 through 28R-35820; 28R-7135001 through 28R-7135229 PA-28R-200 Arrow II 28R-7235001 through 28R-7635545 PA-28R-201 Arrow III 28R-7737002 through 28R-7837317; 2837001 through 2837061; 2844001 through 2844138 PA-28R-201T Turbo Arrow III 28R-7703001 through 28R-7803374; 2803001 through 2803012 PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV 28R-7918001 through 28R-8218026 PA-28RT-201T Turbo Arrow IV 28R-7931001 through 28R-8631005; 2831001 through 2831038 PA-34-200 Seneca 34-E4; 34-7250001 through 34-7450220 PA-34-200T Seneca II 34-7570001 through 34-8170092 PA-38-112 Tomahawk 38-78A0001 through 38-82A0122 COMPLIANCE TIME: Initial compliance to coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed the next fi fty (50) hours time in service. Thereafter, perform the following recurring maintenance procedure at intervals of every ninety (90) calendar days or every fi fty (50) hours of operation, whichever comes fi rst, unless this maintenance interval is specifi ed otherwise in the applicable Maintenance Manual. PURPOSE: The affected Piper Aircraft models use a Gascolator (also called a fuel strainer or fuel fi lter) to separate contaminants from the fuel system. It has been determined that the reliability of the Gascolator can be improved by following the maintenance procedures described in this Service Letter. SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141 PAGE 3 of 5 INSTRUCTIONS: Part I. Identification of Gascolator Configuration 1. Locate and examine the Gascolator, which is positioned in the engine compartment, typically mounted on the forward side of the fi rewall. Temporary removal of engine cowlings or access panels may be required. 2. Although the affected aircraft were delivered with the type of Gascolator shown in Figure 1, there are many FAA-approved types of Gascolators that have a confi guration that differs from that shown in Figure 1. Compare the Gascolator that is installed in the aircraft with the Gascolator shown in Figure 1: • If the currently installed Gascolator matches the confi guration shown in Figure 1, follow the maintenance procedures described in this Service Letter. Proceed to PART II Gascolator Maintenance. • If the currently installed Gascolator does not match the confi guration shown in Figure 1, follow the Maintenance Manual procedures provided by the Gascolator manufacturer, at intervals specifi ed by the applicable Piper Maintenance/Service Manual in Chapter 12 or Section II, respectively. Proceed to PART III Documentation of Compliance. Part II. Gascolator Maintenance NOTE: Refer to the applicable Piper Maintenance/Service Manual for any additional model-specifi c maintenance procedures that may apply. 1. Remove power from the aircraft by pulling the main power circuit breaker. 2. Confirm that the fuel selector valve is in the off position. CAUTION: WHEN DRAINING ANY AMOUNT OF FUEL, CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NO FIRE HAZARD EXISTS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE. 3. Place a container under the Gascolator drain. Operate drain to empty fuel in bowl. 4. Cut away and discard any existing safety wire from the Gascolator. Loosen the bail nut, move the bail wire to the side and remove the bowl. 5. Remove the gasket and screen from the strainer housing. 6. Clean and inspect the screen, gasket, bowl, strainer housing, bail wire and bail nut. Replace any worn or damaged components. 7. Reinstall gasket and screen. 8. Position the bowl and bail wire. Tighten the bail nut by hand, then continue tightening an additional one nut fl at (i.e., 60 degrees) with a wrench. Do not over tighten. 9. Safety the Gascolator with MS20995-C32 Safety Wire as shown in Figure 1, using the “double twist” method, as described in FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, Chapter 7, Section 7, “SAFETYING”. This free
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document is available for download from the Federal Aviation Administration web site: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/99C827DB9BAAC81B86256B4 500596C4E?OpenDocument&Highlight=43.13 10. Reset the main power circuit breaker. 11. Operate the fuel system and check for leaks. 12. Reinstall any cowling or access panels that were removed in order to accomplish this maintenance procedure. 13. Proceed to PART III Documentation of Compliance. Part III. Documentation of Compliance: Make a log book entry indicating compliance with this Service Letter. SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141 PAGE 4 of 5 BAIL BAIL SAFETY WIRE MS20995-C32 BAIL NUT STRAINER BOWL Figure 1 Typical Gascolator Installation STRAINER BOWL SAFETY WIRE MS20995-C32 Section A-A A A SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141 PAGE 5 of 5 MATERIAL REQUIRED: Safety Wire - (MS20995-C32). AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Procure locally. EFFECTIVITY DATE: This Service Letter is effective upon receipt. SUMMARY: Please contact your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility to make arrangements for compliance with this Service Letter in accordance with the compliance time indicated. NOTE: Please notify the factory of any address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model, serial number, current owner’s name and address. Corrections and/or changes should be directed to: PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC. Attn: Customer Service 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, FL 32960