Cessna 172R, Operating Handbook

Page: 294 / 500

SECTION 8
HANDLING, SERVICE
&
MAINTENANCE
CESSNA
MODEL 172R
Follow by carefully washing with a mild detergent and plenty of
water. Rinse thoroughly,
then dry with a clean moist chamois. Do
not
rub the plastic with a dry cloth since this
builds
up an
electrostatic
charge
which
attracts
dust. Waxing
with a good
commercial
wax will finish the cleaning job. A thin, even
coat of
wax, polished
out
by hand with clean soft flannel cloths, will fill in
minor scratches
and
help prevent further scratching.
Do
not
use a canvas cover on the windshield unless freezing rain
or
sleet is
anticipated since the cover
may
scratch the plastic
surface.
PAINTED
SURFACES
The painted
exterior surfaces of your new Cessna have a
durable, long
lasting finish.
Generally, the painted surfaces can be kept bright by washing
with
water
and mild
soap, followed
by a rinse with
water
and drying
with
cloths or a chamois. Harsh
or
abrasive
soaps or
detergents
which cause corrosion or scratches should never be used. Remove
stubborn oil and grease with a cloth moistened with Stoddard
solvent. Take special care to
make sure that the exterior graphics
are
not
touched by the solvent. For complete care of exterior
|graphics
refer to
the Maintenance Manual.
To seal any minor surface chips
or scratches
and protect against
corrosion, the airplane should be waxed regularly with a good
automotive wax applied in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, if the airplane is operated in a seacoast or other salt
water environment,
it
must
be washed and waxed more frequently
to
assure adequate protection. Special care should be taken
to
seal
around rivet heads and skin laps, which
are
the
areas
most
susceptible
to
corrosion. A heavier coating of wax on the leading
edges of the wings and tail and on the cowl
nose cap and
propeller
spinner will help reduce
the abrasion encountered in these areas.
Reapplication of
wax will generally be necessary
after
cleaning with
soap solution or after
chemical deicing operations.
8-22
Revision
8