BCSB (Backcountry Service Bulletin), 2100(A), TT on STC 300 hours.

Be carful when loading and unloading the float compartments on Wipaire 2100 floats. The hydraulic lines and fittings are exposed. I must of bumped the "down" hydraulic fitting and it started leaking. Just a slight turn of the wrench (9/16") resealed the connection. Test flew and OK now.



The top line is to the "down" actuator:


About a cup of 5606A leaked into the bottom of the float compartment:


Filled hydraulic reservoir and cycled gear with electric power pack and hand pump. The system is self bleeding which is nice:

I had a leaker in the belly of my 185 this summer. A couple turns with a wrench and I was good to go. I don't think you have to bump them. They shouldn't be over tight, but too loose, or vibration will crack them open is my hypothesis.

Looks like the same pump that Aerocet uses. I think it may be a snowplow pump for a pickup truck.

I removed the external power plug from the tail when I relocated my battery to the firewall. I can open that door and see the sight glass for the hydraulic fluid with a good flashlight. I think I'll remove the bracket inside the door now too seeing as I've figured a practical use for the opening. Plan had been to fasten a bottle opener there as a novelty.

Pinecone wrote:...I removed the external power plug from the tail when I relocated my battery to the firewall. I can open that door and see the sight glass for the hydraulic fluid with a good flashlight...

That's a great perquisite to see the sight glass. My power pack sight glass is obscured behind the rear false bulkhead which requires opening two southco fasteners for viewing. Not easy.

I have the Selkirk flat floor extended baggage kit. I considered cutting a hole in the fibreglass back wall and filling it will a piece of lexan to be able to see the sight glass, but didn't get it done. When the leak appeared, the need to know my fluid level became urgent. A friend asked "what's in here", opened the door, and voila!