Cleaning Of Fuel Cells; Inspection Of Fuel Cells; Handling And Storage Of Fuel Cells; Repair Of Fuel Cells - Piper PA-32R-301 SARATOGA SP Maintenance Manual

FUEL STORAGE (Cont.)
G. Cleaning of Fuel Cells
1. New fuel cells kept in their shipping containers should not require cleaning prior to installation. If
a cell should becomes dirty, clean with soap and warm water to.
2. Prior to removal, a used cell should be drained, purged with fresh air and swabbed out to remove
all traces of fuel. Upon removal the cell should be cleaned throughly with soap and warm water.
H. Inspection of Fuel Cells.
(1) Inspect fuel cells during regularly scheduled airplane maintenance inspections.
(2) Inspect interior of each cell for cracking, porosity or other signs of deterioration.
(3) Inspect nipple as follows:
(a) Attempt to scrape the rubber off the nipple fitting with a fingernail . If rubber has not degrad-
ed, the fingernail will glide across rubber without damage to the rubber. If an unsatisfactory
condition exists, the fingernail will dig into the rubber.
(b) Deteriorated rubber has consistency of either art gum or chewing gum. Usually it will have
changed from a light tan color to a dark reddish-brown, bluish or greenish color, depending
upon the color of fuel used.
(4) Replace any cell found seeping or with soft nipples.
I.

Handling and Storage of Fuel Cells

(1) Do not remove fuel cells from shipping container until time of installation.
(2) After removing fuel cell from its shipping container, inspect cell for damage due to crating or
removal from crate.
(3) Do not use fuel cell nipple fittings as handholds. Do not drag fuel cells.
(4) Stack fuel cells only in original shipping containers.
(5) Prior to storing used fuel cells, clean with soap and warm water.
(6) Fold fuel cells smoothly and loosely with a minimum number of folds. Protective wadding should
be placed between folds.
Should the temperature be below 70° F move the cells to a
warmer storage location.
(7) Store fuel cells in a dry area protected from sunlight. Recommended storage temperature is 70° F.
J. Repair of Fuel Cells (Refer to Chart 2.)
The following is a repair procedure recommended for field repair of fuel cells constructed of Goodyear
Vithane material. There are two methods by which these repairs may be accomplished. One method is
by heat cure; the other is air cure. The end result of either repair is a neat, permanent repair. The heat
repair allows the cell to be cured and ready for reinstallation in two hours; while the air cure method
requires that the cell not be moved for 72 hours during the air cure period.
Air cure repairs are to be made at a room temperature of
approximately 75°F. For each 10°F drop in temperature, add
20 hours cure time. For instance, if the room temperature
reads 65°F, air cure for 92 hours instead of 72 hours.
PIPER AIRCRAFT
PA-32R-301/301T
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
– CAUTION –
– NOTE –
2D23
28-10-00
Page 28-10
Reissued: July 1, 1993