Where is My Gear Fluid Dipstick??

[edasmus]

Just go into it with the understanding that the maintenance will never ever end. What you are experiencing so far is normal. The first year or two will be particularly trying most likely. Keep at it though (read: keep spending the money to get things or keep things right) and the airplane will treat you right!

[general]

Sounds like you're really enjoying that plane. But that's a good question, I know the answer, as most of the rest of you do that are flying regularly and doing your pre flights. But I don't see anywhere else on the site that shows where the earlier SkyMasters fluid indicator is located on the old power packs. it might be helpful for the new owners. Also discussion about how fun it is to check it

[hharney]

Originally Posted by general

But I don't see anywhere else on the site that shows where the earlier SkyMasters fluid indicator is located on the old power packs. it might be helpful for the new owners. Also discussion about how fun it is to check it

The pre-1973 Skymasters DO NOT have a dipstick to check the fluid level. The power pack is gear driven pump on the engine, standard on the front engine, option on the rear engine. The hydraulic manifold (power pack) is located above the left foot of the pilot. Cessna decided to incorporate a sight gauge to visually check the hydraulic fluid. Good idea in concept but poor results as you cannot see the fluid level through the sight glass located on the exterior left side just below and in front of the storm window (small operating window at pilots left side). I have never seen a Skymaster which the sight gauge is viewable. If you know of one please speak up.

So the next question is "how does one check the fluid level?" Well my method is at every annual when the gear swing is performed the fluid is topped off from the fill port on the front firewall and when the gear swing is performed any excess fluid will pour overboard through the drain tube near the left front cowl flap. Have a catch basin (bucket) under the drain so that you don't make a mess on the floor. That's how you know it's full. Keep track of how much you put in and how much hit the bucket. Too much difference indicates a leak. Leaks are normally easy to detect as it will be red grease all over the belly. This discovery should pull up some red flags. If the fluid is low, during extreme angles of climb while retracting the gear it will take extra time for the gear to cycle and the gear could stop before it finishes and the pump will be cavitateing or sucking air. This is a good indication the fluid is low.

During the post gear swing flight, you may find additional fluid that drained out the overflow that will be all over the belly. This is probably not a leak so clean it up and keep an eye on it.

Ok, this doesn't really sound like a procedure that would be printed in a maintenance manual or official directions. This how I do it and would love to hear from your experiences.

[general]

Such good information and presented in an excellent way that it will help a lot of new Skymaster owners.
It's a weird thing to check the fluids in the early or Skymaster. Again thanks for the overview for all the new owners

[JAG]

Servicing of Hydraulic Power Pack in pre-73 model - Herb is spot on. The maintenance manual calls for you to pump hydraulic fluid into the fill port until it vents overboard. That is the way you know it is full.

My '66 model has no sight gauge (no reference in MM) or dipstick. Just a fill port on the firewall. I service with same pump can I use for bleeding brakes - except with AN fitting on end of hose.

Jeff