Hydraulic filter

This thread got me thinking, and looking at FAR Appendix A (c) "Preventive Maintenance." This is the section that describes what maintenance an owner can self-perform. It's actually a pretty close call.

(c)(8) allows: "Replenishing hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic reservoir."

(c)(23) allows: "Cleaning or replacing fuel and oil strainers or filter elements."

There's a good argument that reading the two sections above together would allow the cleaning of the hydraulic screen.

Shoot, it's easier to get to and clean the hydraulic screen in 337s than it is to get to and clean the fuel strainer elements. It's easier to reach (no body bending), screen is easier to clean (much bigger mesh), and the safetying is easier to do than either of the fuel strainers (no blind safetying -- hopefully less blood).

On the other hand, the FAA clearly knows how to specify hydraulic fluid issues -- which they could have specifically stated in section (c)(23), unless they just consider hydraulic fluid to fall under "oil" category in (c)(23). Neither black nor white, and I've not seen a case on point. But interesting nevertheless.

To be safe, you should learn the system and process, and have your A&P sign it off after you do it and he inspects it. It's easy to do, will save you money, and is easy for the A&P to check. Just know, it ain't rocket science on a 337 AFTER you look at the Service Manual, Parts Catalog, and do it once or twice.

IMHO

Keven
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Nevada Dispensaries