AD 82-18-51

82-18-51 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-4499. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-70 series airplanes with P/N 3505154-18-1 series Airesearch engine starters installed, certificated in all categories. Compliance required within 20 flight hours after receipt of this AD, and at intervals not to exceed 20 flight hours thereafter.

To detect starter output shaft bearing distress, accomplish the following, unless already accomplished:

A) Remove the magnetic portion (knurled knob, bayonet type, quick disconnect) of each starter drain plug and check for the presence of metallic particles. The following action shall be taken when the degree of contamination has been determined:

1) A plug that is clean or having light fuzz is normal and acceptable. Clean plug as necessary, reinstall, and continue starter operation.

2) If light metal particle accumulation is observed on the magnetic portion of the plug, drain the starter oil and observe color and odor of the oil.

a) If the oil is transparent, reservice the starter with clean oil, clean the drain plug, reinstall, and continue starter operation. If metal is again observed at any subsequent inspection, replace the starter with a serviceable unit.

b) If the oil is black, or has a burnt smell, replace the starter with a serviceable unit.

3) If metal accumulation in excess of that defined in 2), above, is observed on the magnetic portion of the drain plug, replace the starter with a serviceable unit.

B) When a P/N 3505154-19-1 series or subsequent approved P/N starter is installed, inspection per this AD is terminated.

C) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections and repairs required for the purposes of this AD when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

D) Alternate means of compliance which providean equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

This amendment becomes effective November 23, 1982, and was effective earlier to those recipients of Telegraphic AD T82-18-51 dated August 31, 1982.