Cessna 170, Service Manual

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It was in the lobby of the hotel during the 2001 Texas Christmas Party held in
Nacogdoches that TIC170A Historian Cleo Bickford approached me. If I hadn’t been so
overwhelmed by the warm welcome and atmosphere of all the fellow Cessna 170 owners
present I might have been more alert to the twinkle in his eye. He was on a mission and I
didn’t realize it.
Cleo, charter member number C42, being an accomplished aviator, experienced
aeronautical engineer, Cessna 170 owner, and devoted promoter of TIC170A, had long
observed the painful lack of a service manual specifically for the 170 and made it his goal
to address the issue. A manual had been contemplated for many years but had never
been brought to fruition and Cleo apparently decided there would be no further harm in
soliciting the services of yet another procrastinator. The difference this time was, …Cleo
had his “don’t even THINK about telling me no” charm turned fully ON! I was caught
completely unawares. In all fairness, he did allow me to think it over before committing to
the project. Those who know Cleo well can appreciate what that truly means. His quiet,
well-respected manner plays upon the conscience until the decision was made: I WILL
complete the project, no matter how long it takes!
This is the first attempt at a service manual for me, so I ask forbearance if it appears less
than complete. It is very much a “work in progress”. This first section is dedicated to
the electrical system, and subsequent sections will be presented at upcoming convention
seminars until the entire manual is complete. As new material (and authorship technique)
is developed, this section will be revised and amended. The complete manual
encompassing all systems is expected to be a five-year project. A person attending all
five convention seminars will have obtained a complete manual, and helped influence the
final products outcome.
Wherever possible part numbers have been included in the text for convenience’s sake.
Be aware that part numbers may be superceded at some point in time and be certain to
confirm any part requirements. An attempt has been made to help the owner with
unsophisticated repair and troubleshooting techniques. Some of those activities may not
meet the FAA’s definition of “preventive maintenance” and therefore undertaking such
actions should be considered carefully. By all means, do not violate the law, or good
operating procedures.
Several sources have been consulted in preparing this manual including but not limited to
manufacturer service manuals, overhaul manuals, and FAA Advisory Circulars (especially
AC 43.13-1A “Methods and Materials”.) Much of the information herein is the result of
years of experience gathered from many individuals, most of whom will go unfairly
unrecognized. To my friends and fellow aviators I apologize if I’ve “borrowed” your ideas
too readily. I hope you take consolation in seeing them put to good use. If as the reader
you find something to correct or improve the manual, please contact me and let me know
for inclusion in future revisions. None of the information in this manual is intended to
replace manufacturer or FAA approved methods and practices. This manual is intended
only for the purpose of furthering the understanding of maintenance issues as regards
this airplane. Neither The International Cessna 170 Association nor the author makes any
representation as to the fitness of purpose or the suitability of the information contained
herein. Use it at your own risk.
Having given to disclaimer, now please join me in the pleasure of dedicating this manual
to the person who I credit as the real motivating force in its production:
Cleo Bickford, C42, Historian, TIC170A, without whom it would never have been started,
and doubtless with whom it will never be finished. ;Þ
George Horn
Parts/Mx coordinator, TIC170A