AD 79-02-05

79-02-05 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-3394. Applies to Model PA-28-161, serial numbers 28-7816002 through 28-7816553, 28-7816554, 28-7816556 through 28-7816564, 28-7816566 through 28-7816597, 28-7816599 through 28-7816607, 28-7816609 through 28-7816634, 28-7816636 through 28-7816643; Model PA- 28R-201T, serial numbers 28R-7803002 through 28R-7803294, 28R-7803296 through 28R-7803308, 28R-7803310, 28R-7803311, 28R-7803315, 28R-7803317 through 28R-7803321, 28R-7803323 through 28R-7803325; and Model PA-28R-201, serial numbers 28R-7837002 through 28R-7837232, 28R-7837234, 28R-7837236, 28R-7837238 through 28R-7837241, 28R-7837243 through 28R-7837245, 28R-7837248 through 28R-7837250, 28R-7837253 through 28R-7837257, 28R-7837260, 28R-7837262 through 28R-7837264, 28R-7837266 through 28R-7837270, 28R-7837272 through 28R-7837275, airplanes certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible fuel flow interruption, accomplish the following:

(a) Remove the top cowl or open the top left cowl as appropriate.

(b) Remove the lower cowl attaching hardware on left side only and pull lower cowl outward to gain visual access to the fuel gascolator assembly.

(c) Check the gascolator installation to determine if the gascolator is installed with the ports oriented as shown in the accompanying figure.

(d) If the gascolator is installed in accordance with the accompanying figure, secure the cowling and make the appropriate maintenance record entry.

(e) If the gascolator is not installed in accordance with the accompanying figure, have the following accomplished by a person authorized by FAR 43.3:

(1) Remove lower cowling.

(2) Place the fuel selector valve in the "OFF" position.

(3) Cut safety wire on the gascolator bowl bail. Remove the filter bowl, gasket and screen from the gascolator. Cleanany deposits that may be on the screen and/or the bowl.

(4) Carefully spread the bail wire where it enters the housing until the bail can be removed.

(5) Supporting the fittings in the gascolator housing with an open end wrench, remove the inlet and outlet "B" nuts. It will facilitate the removal and the re-installation of the gascolator assembly if the fuel line is loosened at the electric fuel pump inlet.

(6) On the PA-28-161 only, disconnect the primer line directly on top of the gascolator housing.

(7) Remove the gascolator assembly from the attaching bracket and turn 180 degrees, positioning as shown in the accompanying figure.

(8) If the line assembly does not reach the inlet fitting, remove the forward left hand upholstery panel and inspect for, and correct, improper bends.

CAUTION: Pulling the line into position with the "B" nut may cause damage to the flare.

(9) Re-assemble the gascolator assembly and tighten all fuel line connections.

(10) Turn on the aircraft power and the fuel boost pump and check for any fuel leaks. Correct any discrepancies found.

(11) Reinstall the cowling.

(12) Make the appropriate maintenance record entry.

(f) An alternate method of compliance may be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region.

The checks in this AD may be accomplished by the pilot and appropriate maintenance record entries made in accordance with FAR 91.173. Installation correction must be accomplished by a person authorized by FAR 43.3.

NOTE: Piper Service Bulletin 612 dated October 25, 1978, also pertains this subject.

This amendment becomes effective January 29, 1979.