Rockwell Commander 112 - Lubrication; Storage

SECTION n
SERVICING
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ROCKWELL
COMMANDER
112/B/TC/TCA
AND INSPECTION
to remove surface dust. Spots and stains should be
removed with products specifically manufactured for
this purpose. Such products can be purchased locally.
Do not use water to clean fabric surfaces, since it will
spot upholstery and remove the flame- resistant chem-
ical impregnated in the cloth.
EXTERIOR CLEANING. Prior to cleaning the exterior
of the aircraft, cover the wheels, making certain the
brake discs are covered. Securely attach pitot covers
and install plugs or mask off all other openings. Be
particularly careful to mask off all static air sources
before washing or waxing. Do not apply wax or polish
to the exterior surface of the aircraft for a period of
90 days after delivery, as waxes and polishes seal
the paint from the air and prevent curing. If it is
necessary to clean the painted surface before the ex-
piration of the 90-day curing period, use cold or luke-
warm water and a mild soap. Never use hot water or
detergents. Any rubbing of the painted surface should
be
gentle and held to a minimum to avoid damaging the
paint
film. The aircraft should be washed with mild
soap and wate r . Loose dirt should be flushed away
with
clean water before soap is applied. Harsh or
abrasive soaps or detergents may cause corrosion
or scratches and should never be used. Soft clean-
ing cloths or a chamois should be used to prevent
scratches when cleaning and polishing.
ENGINE CLEANING. Engine and cowling may be
cleaned with any standard engine solvent approved for
this purpose. Prior to cleaning engine, cover all
openings to prevent solvent from entering engine. Spray
or brush solvent over engine and wipe dry. Blow ex-
cess cleaning solution from engine with compressed
air.
Do not allow commercial cleaning solvents
to enter magnetos, starter, alternator or
any primary component housing. Protect
engine components by wrapping in suitable
plastic or otherwise covering areas to
prevent solvent contact.
LANDING GEAR AND WHEEL WELLS. Clean land-
ing
gear and wheel wells with a compound containing
an emulsifying agent to remove oil, grease, and sur-
face dirt. The emulsion is removed by rinsing with
water or spraying with a petroleum solvent. Cover
the wheel and brake during landing gear and wheel
well cleaning. If a water rinse is used in cold wea-
ther, blow all water from wheel well with an air hose,
to prevent freezing. Emulsion type cleaners usually
contain solvents which are injurious to rubber if al-
lowed to remain in contact for any length of time;
therefore, rinse affected area immediately with water.
After cleaning landing gear, wipe exposed strut piston
2-30
with a clean cloth moistened with MIL-H-5606 hydrau-
lic fluid. To clean tires, rinse with water and scrub
with a brush. Tire surface may be brightened after
washing by rubbing with glycerene or applying a brush
coat of commercial tire paint.
PROPELLER. Check propeller blades and hub peri-
odically for oxidation and corrosion. Brush oxidized
or corroded area with a phosphating agent to remove
superficial corrosion, then remove etched and pitted
area by buffing smooth with an aluminum polish.
When cleaning propeller, take the following precau-
tions:
a. Check ignition switch off.
b. Make sure engine has cooled completely.
c. When moving propeller, do not stand in line of
blades.
d. Avoid using excessive amounts of liquid cleaner
as it may splatter or run down blade and enter propeller
hub or engine.
e.
After cleaning, check area around propeller hub
to be
sure all cleaning solution is removed.
LUBRICATION
Lubrication requirements are shown on the Lubrica-
tion Chart (Figure 2-15). Before adding grease to
fittings, wipe off the dirt. Lubricate fittings and wipe
off
excess. Lubricate all hinges with squirt can or
brush moistened in oil. Wipe off excess oil to prevent
accumulation of dirt and grit. See Section IV for pro-
peller lubrication.
STORAGE
The aircraft is constructed of corrosion resistant
ale lad aluminum; however, aluminum is subject to
oxidation and must be inspected periodically for signs
of corrosion. The first indication of corrosion is the
formation of white depOSits or spots on unpainted sur-
faces. Painted surface will discolor or blister. The
aircraft should be stored in a dry hangar for best
preservation during long term storage.
28 DAYS OR LESS. Special preservation measures
are not required for airframe and airframe compo-
nents when the aircraft is to be stored for 28 days or
less. However, the following procedures should be
accomplished before aircraft is placed in storage.
a. Service fuel, engine oil and hydraulic systems.
b. Fuel selector valve - OFF.
c. Ensure all electrical switches are off.
d. Install pitot cover, rubber intake plugs, gust
locks and tie-down aircraft if stored outside.
e. Clean and rotate tires regularly to prevent
flat-spotting.
f. Remove and store battery during cold weather.
g. Rotate propeller through several revolutions by
Change 3
Copyright Commander Owners Group 2013 All Rights Reserved
**unofficial copy**