78-16-08: Loss of Engine Oil

78-16-08 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-3223 as amended by amendment 39-3497. Applies to Model PA-32R-300 serial numbers 32R-7680001 through 32R- 7880068 inclusive; Model PA-32RT-300 serial numbers 32R-7885001 through 32R-7885207 inclusive, airplanes, certificated in all categories. Compliance is required as indicated. To prevent engine failure due to engine oil loss, accomplish the following: (a) On or before September 30, 1979, unless already accomplished, accomplish either (1) or (2): (1) Replace both engine oil coolers, Piper Part Number 16599-00 (Harrison Part number AP09AU06-01), if installed, with Piper Oil Cooler replacement kit 763-859V. (2) Modify the oil cooler system in accordance with Aircraft Metal Products STC SA3736WE dated September 27, 1978. (b) Prior to the first flight of each day and immediately after the last flight of each day, unless (a) has been accomplished: (1) Check below the nose gear wheel well for signsof fresh engine oil deposits. (2) Check the following areas of the airplane for engine oil deposits. (i) Inside surface on nose gear doors. (ii) Inside lower edge of lower cowl. (iii) Lower forward face of firewall. (iv) Aft face of nose gear strut, linkage, and tire. (v) Forward belly of fuselage. (3) If no oil leakage is evident, make appropriate maintenance record entry. (4) If oil leakage is evident and an oil cooler is determined to be leaking or contains a crack, have it replaced with a serviceable oil cooler. Refer to the appropriate Piper Service Manual for replacement instructions. Special caution is necessary during installation of the oil hoses to prevent damage to the replacement oil cooler. (c) Within the next 10 hours time in service after the effective date of this A.D. and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time in service from the last check, unless (a) has been accomplished: (1) Insure thatthe engine oil is at normal operating temperature by conducting this check immediately after a flight or a ground run. (2) Gain access to the engine by removing the top engine cowl. (3) Check both the right and left engine oil coolers in the area of the oil hose assembly end fittings and in the area of the fluted portion at the oil cooler end tanks for cracks and oil leakage. (i) If no oil leakage or cracks are found, make appropriate maintenance record entry. (ii) If an oil cooler is determined to be leaking or contains a crack, have it replaced with a serviceable oil cooler. Refer to the appropriate Piper Service Manual for replacement instructions. Special caution is necessary during installation of the oil hoses to prevent damage to the replacement oil cooler. (d) An alternate method of compliance must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region. The checks in this A.D. may be accomplished by the pilot and appropriate maintenance record entries made in accordance with FAR 91.173. Inspections and component replacements must be accomplished by a person authorized by FAR 43.3. Piper Service Bulletin 586B, dated July 24, 1978, pertains to this same subject. Amendment 39-3223 superseded Amendment 39-3106, 43 FR 4, A.D. 78-01-03. Amendment 39-3223 became effective August 11, 1978. This amendment 39-3497 becomes effective June 25, 1979.