Where is My Gear Fluid Dipstick??

[pilotpat]

Tom, if able, look down though the gap above the radar unit and below the trim wheel (a light will be needed). At the bottom front roughly in the middle is the top of the dipstick, which on ours is a lever which has to be lifted, then the whole thing pulled straight up (it takes a fair pull). Once out, it has to be cleaned, reinserted, removed, then read. In doing this from the RHS panel opening, you will note that there are multiple pieces of tubing and wiring in the way, and how easy it is to drop the piece into the bowels of the plane. So, if it does not have one already, tie a string to it for retrieval. It may actually be easier the first time to remove the right side pedestal cover (which has the hatch you refer to) where you can then see things a bit better. And no, you can't get at from the front under the radar!

[pilotpat]

This picture should allow some orientation, note the friction lock at the top. The dipstick is behind my shoulder, and the hatch in the panel (removed) is about where the blue hydraulic fittings are. You have to move your hand though the hatch and a bit aft to get to the dipstick. Pat

[pilotpat]

Here's a pic taken looking down through the gap previously mentioned (the "20" is the radar range knob). The brass lever has to be rotated up and the thole thing pulled up and out. There is a hydraulic line to the right exactly in the way; I have to put my thumb under and my fingers over it to be able to reach the level.

[tomcomet]

Originally Posted by pilotpat

Here's a pic taken looking down through the gap previously mentioned (the "20" is the radar range knob). The brass lever has to be rotated up and the thole thing pulled up and out. There is a hydraulic line to the right exactly in the way; I have to put my thumb under and my fingers over it to be able to reach the level.

This is great info Pat. Totally appreciate it. I will have a look tomorrow and report back.

TC

[tomcomet]

Pat and Ed were correct with their their PIREPs. I took the entire right side lower panel off the radar unit and all was there in plain view. All it required was a good briefing. Sure enough, the fluid was down about 1 teaspoon (glad I bought a gallon...). Still above the line but... Not bad for a 40 year old aircraft with 25 hours of recent hard training flights (at least) since last this was looked at.

Now that I know what to look for and where I think I will be able to get to it from the small side access panel. I took the advice and tied a little rope around the dipstick as it would be all too easy to ruin your day by dropping it in the sump. Helps to find the bloody thing in tight quarters too..!

Here are some photos... Note the safety rope.

Thanks for the help guys!

[edasmus]

Glad you found it! It looks like you have a nice Skymaster there from the pictures you have posted. Enjoy your new to you plane! I will say the maintenance can occasionally be somewhat frustrating but the airplane is simply wonderful to fly! I have and plan to continue to enjoy mine! It's hard to believe it has been 15+ years already.

Good Luck

Ed

[tomcomet]

Originally Posted by edasmus

Glad you found it! It looks like you have a nice Skymaster there from the pictures you have posted. Enjoy your new to you plane! I will say the maintenance can occasionally be somewhat frustrating but the airplane is simply wonderful to fly! I have and plan to continue to enjoy mine! It's hard to believe it has been 15+ years already.

I am truly enjoying this airplane. We are very much in our Honeymoon phase of the relationship currently. We did have one big spat (new cylinder) but we got through that and I am looking forward to the relationship.