83-13-01: Placard-Improper Fuel Cap Sealing

83-13-01 CESSNA: Amendment 39-4672. Applies to Models 182, 182A, 182B, 182C, 182D, 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N, 182P, 182Q (all serial numbers except 66590 and on) and R182 (S/N R18200002 through R18200583) airplanes certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished. To alert the pilot to the potential effects of improper fuel cap sealing: a) Within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD install a placard adjacent to the fuel quantity gauges which states: "CAUTION Leaking fuel caps can cause loss of fuel and erroneously high fuel quantity indications." This placard may be fabricated by the owner/operator of the airplane. The person accomplishing this must make the prescribed entry in the aircraft maintenance records reflecting compliance with paragraph a) of this AD. b) Within the next 12 calendar months after the effective date of this AD and each 12 calendar months thereafter: 1) Visually inspect, the surface of the wing aft of the fuel cap for evidence of leakage, the fuel cap seals for cracks, distortion and or any condition which may prevent sealing and the sealing surface of the adapter for scratches, corrosion, distortion or other conditions which may prevent sealing. If any of these conditions are noted inspect the fuel tank for wrinkles in the bottom and proper attachment of the retaining snaps to the compartment. Prior to further flight, correct any unsatisfactory conditions in accordance with the manufacturers maintenance manuals or service information which should include inspection of the fuel tank installation in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE82-34A. Fuel cap repairs should be accomplished in accordance with Cessna Service Letter SE80-59 Supplement 1. 2) On airplanes having Cessna P/N C156001-0106 plastic cap installed, visually inspect the adapter for presence and legibility of the Cessna P/N 1205253-1 FuelCap Alignment Placard and prior to further flight install new placards if required. 3) Check the tension of the fuel cap locking mechanism by operating the tab. If necessary, prior to further flight adjust in accordance with the manufacturers service manuals/information to obtain proper sealing pressure between the cap and adapters. c) Airplane may be flown per FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished. d) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used if it is approved by Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Room 238, Terminal building 2299, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209. Cessna Service Information Letter SE79-45, SE8O-59, Supplement 1 and SE82-34A and Owner Advisories SE80-59A and SE82-34A pertain to the subject matter of this AD. This amendment becomes effective on August 1, 1983.