XM655 Winter Maintenance

[MOD]

Is that anything like Chanel #655?

D.

No it's much more horrible. I got a face and earful on Tuesday. As Eric (Sooty) was above me, as we topped up the hydraulic oil to No#3, a torrent of stagnant water hit me full in the face and neck. It was worse for Eric though as he had to sit in a large puddle until we had completed fitting the intake collars . I did ask Eric if it was clear rainwater or had he just p***ed himself as my head was just about between his legs at the time.)

Great day though.

[Mayfly]

NOOOOOOOOoooooooo!!!!

too much info

Would I be correct in assuming this is rain water that has seeped into her?

[Xplumberlives]

NOOOOOOOOoooooooo!!!!

too much info

Would I be correct in assuming this is rain water that has seeped into her?

Or was it rain water that had seeped in to him?

[Bovril]

rain often gets down the air intake, it should do down a drain in airframe, but it doesnt take much to block it up, we have to clear to drain regularly.

[Ramshornvortex]

I'll provide a quick update as Sooty was taking time off for good behaviour yesterday......

No 3 engine is now fully installed and ready for dry/wet cycles next Saturday. We pressure tested the fuel line into the engine yesterday with no problems. We have yet to wirelock the three hydraulic Avery couplings until we check them for leaks under some 'proper' engine-driven hydraulic pump pressure next Saturday.

We also took the opportunity yesterday to leak test the port side de-fuel/AAR pipe coupling that we repaired a few weeks ago - again no problems - not that we're planning to do any AAR but we do rely on this pipe when fuel is being moved across the aircraft during ground refuelling.

Another fuel related problem was signed off yesterday - the AAPP (Rover) 10 gallon fuel tank had previously overfilled when the float valve didn't shut - we have been unable to replicate this problem since despite several tests, so we reinstated the pipework at the top of the tank ready for 26th March.

Mark checked the P1 and P2 foot brake motor hydraulic levels - they notoriously seep and need refilling.

We also unveiled the modification to the castoring end of the towing arm - sorry I don't have any photographs - but it works better now than at any time since it was designed!

Next Saturday - fit the repaired starboard side defuel valve armature (fabricated by Eric at home over the winter) and test. We have a suspected problem on the No 2 main 115V transformer phase detection unit - but we have a plan to sort that as well. Then under Mark's supervision we'll take delivery of 1,500 litres of fuel. Then dry/wet cycles and we'll be ready for 26th and EGR on all 4 engines followed by lending the aeroplane to the '558 aircrew for a good shakedown!

Keeps us off the streets, and out of the shops......bliss

[Sploosher]

thanks for the update.....................

yoo did not say anything about keeping you from the pub though.....................

[Ramshornvortex]

yoo did not say anything about keeping you from the pub though.....................

No I didn't did I?

[Sooty655]

The winter maintenance programme is now officially finished. This morning, before the 558 aircrew arrived for their annual refamiliarisation training, we completed the ground test runs successfully and were able to declare the No 3 engine serviceable.

We have a couple of minor snags to work on following the EGR and crew training runs today, but they are not show-stoppers and will be handled as part of our ongoing routine maintenance activities.

Thanks are due to everyone who worked through the cold and wet this winter to get the programme completed. It would be nice to think that we may now enjoy some better weather, but under the aircraft today it was bitterly cold. Hard to believe that BST (bloody summer time) starts tomorrow.

[RLN]

Thanks Sooty. it's a shame you are so far away.

[Xplumberlives]

Hard to believe that BST (bloody summer time) starts tomorrow.

Indeed it is British Summer Time NOT British Summer TEMPERATURE!

[Mayfly]

I can concur it was cold!!!! She looks good tho' I haven't checked my photos yet as I'm still thawing out.

But giggling at the aircrew always helps!!!!

[Xplumberlives]

I can concur it was cold!!!! She looks good tho' I haven't checked my photos yet as I'm still thawing out.

But giggling at the aircrew always helps!!!!

Get D.T. to pay his heating bills, we're still waiting!

[Gully]

Excellent news on the successful EGR! Well done 655 MaPS!

Gully