Piper PA-28-236 DAKOTA, Pilot Operating Handbook

Page: 241 / 367

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SECTION 8
PA-28-236, DAKOTA HANDLING, SERV & MAINT
ISSUED: JUNE 1, 1978 REPORT: VB-910
8-11
REVISED: AUGUST 27, 1979
If fluid is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, oil should be added.
Replace the plug with the valve core removed. Then attach a clear plastic
hose to the valve stem of the filler plug and submerge the free end in a
container of hydraulic fluid (MIL-H-5606). Fully compress and extend the
strut several times, thus drawing fluid into the strut chamber and expelling
air. To allow fluid to enter the bottom chamber of the main gear strut
housing, it is necessary to disconnect the torque link assembly and allow
the strut to extend a full 10 inches. (The nose gear torque links need not be
disconnected.) DO NOT allow the strut to extend beyond 12 inches. When
air bubbles cease to flow through the hose, fully compress the strut, remove
the filler plug, and again check the fluid level. When the fluid level is
correct, disconnect the hose, reinstall the valve core, the filler plug, and the
main gear torque links.
With the fluid in the strut housing at the proper level, attach a strut
pump to the air valve. With the airplane on the ground under normal static
load, inflate the oleo strut to the proper strut exposure.
In jacking the airplane for landing gear or other service, two hydraulic
jacks and a tail stand should be used. At least 425 pounds of ballast should
be placed on the base of the tail stand before jacking up the airplane. The
hydraulic jacks are placed under the jack points on the underside of the
wings, and the airplane is jacked up until the tail stand can be attached to
the tail skid. After attaching the tail stand and adding ballast, the jacking
can be continued until the airplane is at the desired height.
8.17 PROPELLER SERVICE
The spinner and backing plate should be cleaned and inspected for
cracks frequently. Before each flight the propeller should be inspected for
nicks, scratches, and corrosion. If found, they should be repaired as soon
as possible by a rated mechanic, since a nick or scratch causes an area of
increased stress which can lead to serious cracks or the loss of a propeller
tip. The back face of the blades should be painted when necessary with
flat black paint to retard glare. To prevent corrosion, the surface should be
cleaned and waxed periodically.