AD 60-03-08

60-03-08 PIPER: Amdt. 92 Part 507 Federal Register January 26, 1960. Applies to PA- 23 and PA-23 "160" Aircraft, Serial Numbers 23-1 and Up.

Compliance required as indicated.

As a result of several instances of fuel system cable malfunctioning and fuel valve leakage, the following inspections shall be accomplished:

(a) Ascertain that fuel is contained in all fuel cells. With the master switch on, energize the electric fuel pumps. While the fuel selector and crossfeed valve levers are cycled through their positions several times, observe through appropriate access openings the main valve (P/N 18598), auxiliary valve (P/N 17920) if installed, and the crossfeed valve (P/N 492044) in the cabin control pedestal. If leakage is observed, effect repairs. (Refer also to Piper Service Manual paragraphs 9-17 and 9-18.)

(b) Check rigging and clamping of control cable and rigging of valve control linkage to eliminate bowing and to insure proper valve operation.Compliance with item (a) required by March 15, 1960, and every 50 hours of time in service thereafter on aircraft Serial Numbers 23-1 through 23-1695 until improved valves (P/N 492050 main and crossfeed, and 492051 auxiliary) are installed. After the improved valves are installed, the inspection period may be increased to every 100 hours of time in service. Aircraft Serial Numbers 23-1696 and up incorporated the new valves; therefore, these aircraft having less than 100 hours of time in service on March 15, 1960, may be operated until they have 100 hours, at which time the initial inspection shall be conducted, and then shall be inspected every 100 hours thereafter.

Compliance with item (b) required by March 15, 1960, and every 50 hours of time in service thereafter on aircraft Serial Numbers 23-1 through 23-289 until a more rigid control cable (P/N 18815 for main fuel system and P/N 18816 for auxiliary fuel system and idler bellcrank P/N 18782) is installed. After the new cableis installed, the inspection period may be increased to every 100 hours of time in service Aircraft Serial Numbers 23-290 and up incorporated the new cables; therefore, these aircraft having less than 100 hours of time in service on March 15, 1960, may be operated until they have 100 hours, at which time the initial inspection shall be conducted, and then shall be inspected every 100 hours thereafter.

(c) Not later than 25 hours' time in service after October 19, 1960, aircraft Serial Numbers 23-1 through 23-1695 which have improved valves (P/N 492050 main and crossfeed, and P/N 492051 auxiliary) installed must be inspected to ascertain that P/N 492051 was used for auxiliary and main shutoff valves on aircraft with auxiliary fuel systems, and P/N 492050 was used for main shutoff valves on aircraft without auxiliary tanks and for all crossfeed valves in accordance with Piper Service Letter 322A and Piper Service Manual paragraphs 9-17 and 9-18. If incorrect combinations are found, valves must be installed properly prior to further flight. (The above fuel valves are also identified by Scott P/N 4240-2 for P/N 492050 valve and P/N 4240-3 for P/N 492051 valve.

(Piper Service Letters Nos. 322A, and 286 cover the same subject.)

Revised October 19, 1960.

Revised March 21, 1961.