GRUMMAN AMERICAN
FOR TRAINING USE ONLY – SECTION 8
MODEL GA-7/COUGAR
HANDLING, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
8-10
Issued: April 10, 1978
PROPELLER CARE
Damage from foreign objects, sometimes referred to as “nicks”, may appear in the leading edges of the propellers
form time to time. It is vital that these nicks be inspected by qualified maintenance personnel and 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 buildup. This type of foreign material on the propeller
may cause an imbalance and accompanying vibration. We recommend cleaning agents such as Stoddard solvent
or equivalent followed by waxing or coating with a light film of oil.
ENGINE CLEANING
Clean the engine with neutral solvent or any standard engine cleaning solvent. Spray or brush the solvent over the
engine, then wash off the solvent with water and allow to dry. Solutions which may attack rubber or plastics
should not be used.
INTERIOR CARE
Clean the interior regularly with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and loose dirt from the upholstery and carpet.
If liquid (coffee, etc.) is spilled on the upholstery or carpet, lot it up promptly with cleansing tissue or rags.
Continue blotting until no more liquid is taken up. Sticky materials may be scraped up with a dull knife, then
cleaned up with a spot remover.
Oily spots may be cleaned with household spot removers, used sparingly. Before using any solvent, read the
instructions on the container and test it on an obscure place on the fabric to be cleaned. Never saturate the fabric
with a volatile solvent; it may damage the padding and backing materials.
Soiled upholstery and carpet may be cleaned with foam-type detergent, used according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. To minimize wetting the fabric, keep the foam as dry as possible and remove it with a vacuum
cleaner.
The plastic trim, headliner, instrument panel, and control knobs need only be wiped off with a damp cloth. Oil and
grease on the control wheel and control knobs can be removed with a cloth moistened with Stoddard solvent.
Volatile solvents, such as mentioned in paragraphs on care of the windshield, must never be used since they soften
and craze the plastic.
