Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)

10-00-00 (Rev 8)

PARKING, MOORING, STORAGE AND RETURN TO SERVICE - GENERAL

1. Scope
A. This chapter describes and provides maintenance instructions for parking, storing, mooring and returning the airplane to
service.
2. Tools, Equipment and Materials
NOTE: Equivalent substitutes may be used for the following items:
NAME NUMBER MANUFACTURER USE
Wheel Chocks Available Commercially To chock landing wheels.
Engine Air Inlet Cover Cessna Aircraft To prevent entry of moisture
and/or foreign particles through
cowling.
Pitot Tube Cover Cessna Aircraft To prevent entry of moisture
and/or foreign particles in pitot
tubes.
Static Ground Cable Available Commercially To static ground airplane.
Rope (0.375 inch Available Commercially To tie down wing and tail.
diameter minimum) or
equivalent

3. Definition
A. This chapter is divided into sections to aid maintenance personnel in locating information. Consulting the Table of Contents will
further assist in locating a particular subject. A brief definition of the sections incorporated in this chapter is as follows:
(1) The section on parking describes methods, procedures and precautions used when parking the airplane.
(2) The section on storage provides information on recommended storage procedures. Recommendations vary with the
length of time the airplane is to be stored.
(3) The section on mooring describes procedures and equipment used to moor the airplane.
(4) The section on return to service describes procedures used when returning the airplane to service from storage.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-10-00 (Rev 8)

PARKING - MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

1. General
A. This maintenance practice covers procedures used to park the airplane.
B. The airplane should be moored if high winds are anticipated or anytime the airplane remains outside for extended periods of
time. Refer to Mooring - Maintenance Practices for mooring procedures. Refer to Storage - Maintenance Practices for detailed
instructions regarding storage.
2. Parking Instructions
A. Hard Surface and Sod.
CAUTION: ANY TIME THE AIRPLANE IS LOADED HEAVILY, THE FOOTPRINT PRESSURE (PRESSURE OF THE
AIRPLANE WHEELS UPON THE CONTACT SURFACE OF THE PARKING AREA OR RUNWAY) WILL BE
EXTREMELY HIGH, AND SURFACES SUCH AS HOT ASPHALT OR DAMP SOD MAY NOT ADEQUATELY
SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE AIRPLANE. PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID AIRPLANE
PARKING OR MOVEMENT ON SUCH SURFACES.
(1) Position airplane headed into wind, on level surface.
CAUTION: DO NOT SET PARKING BRAKE DURING COLD WEATHER, WHEN ACCUMULATED MOISTURE MAY
FREEZE BRAKES, OR WHEN BRAKES ARE HOT.
(2) Set parking brake or chock main gear wheels.
(3) Install control column lock.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-11-00 (Rev 24)

STORAGE - DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

1. General
A. As a result of corrosion, it is possible that some piston engines will not complete the usual service life. Moisture from the air and
material from combustion mix to cause corrosion on cylinder walls and bearing surfaces when the engine is not in operation. A
thin layer of corrosion inhibitor is used to help prevent corrosion.
NOTE: The owner or operator of the airplane must make a decision if preservation is necessary as a result of
environmental conditions and frequency of airplane use.
NOTE: The time periods given in this document are recommendations as given for normal conditions.
B. In areas of high humidity, corrosion can start in a short period of time. Corrosion is found on cylinder walls of new engines that
have not operated for a period as short as two days.
C. In engines that have 50 hours or more time of service in a short period, the cylinder walls will have a varnish that will help protect
from corrosion. These engines in good atmospheric conditions can stay inactive for many weeks without indication of corrosion.
2. Flyable Storage
A. The flyable storage is a maximum of 30 days storage with no engine operation and/or the first 25 hours of intermittent engine
operation.
B. Engine temperature and length of operation time are very important in the control of corrosion. The desired flight time for air
cooled engines is at least one continuous hour at oil temperatures of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to 200 degrees F (93
degrees C) at intervals not to exceed 30 days. The one hour does not include taxi, take-off and landing time.
C. The aircraft temperature gages must operate correctly.
D. The cooling air baffles must be in good condition and fitted properly.
E. The oil cooler system must be of the proper size for the engine and airframe installation. Oil coolers that are not the correct size
can cause an engine overheat condition or below minimum temperatures. Low temperatures are as dangerous as high
temperatures because of build-up of water and acids.
F. Pulling engines through by hand when the airplane is not operated for approximately a week is not recommended. Pulling the
engine through by hand before you start the engine or to minimize corrosion can cause damage. The cylinder walls, pistons,
rings, cam and cam follower receive minimum lubrication. When the prop is pulled through by hand, the rings remove oil from
the cylinder walls. The cam load made by the valve train removes oil from the cam and followers. After two or three times of
pulling the engine through by hand without engine starts, the cylinders, cam and followers are left without the correct quantity of
oil film. Engine starts without the correct lubrication can cause the engine parts to score which can cause damage to the engine.
G. The pitot tube, static air vents, air vents, openings in the engine cowl, and other openings must have protective covers installed
to prevent entry of foreign object debris.
3. Temporary Storage
A. Temporary airplane storage.
(1) Temporary storage is when the airplane does not operate in a maximum of 90 days. The airplane is made of corrosion
resistant, epoxy primed aluminum, which will last a long time in normal conditions. But these alloys can have oxidation. The
first indication of corrosion on surfaces without paint is white deposits or spots. Corrosion on surfaces with paint is
discoloration or blistered paint. Storage in a dry hangar is very important for good preservation. Different conditions will
change the measures of preservation, but for normal conditions in a dry hangar, and for storage periods not to exceed 90
days, the procedures that follow are recommended.
WARNING: For procedures that require fuel, fire equipment must be available. Two ground wires from different
points on the airplane connected to separate, approved ground stakes must be used in case of
accidental disconnection of one ground wire. Make sure the fuel nozzle is grounded to the airplane
(a) Fill the fuel tanks with the correct grade of fuel.
(b) Use tie-down rings for ground points for the fuel procedure.
(c) Clean the airplane fully.
(d) Clean oil or grease from the tires.
(e) Put a thin layer of tire preservative on the tires.
(f) Put a cover on the tires to keep grease and oil from the tires.
(g) Keep the tires from deformation.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-11-00 (Rev 24)

1 Put the fuselage on blocks to relieve pressure on the tires or rotate the wheels every 30 days to keep the tires
from flat spots.
(h) Lubricate all airframe items.
(i) Put a cover on openings which let moisture and/or dust to enter.
(j) Charge the avionics standby battery and the Garmin GI 275 Standby Battery (If Installed).
NOTE: For maximum battery life, the avionics standby battery and Garmin GI 275 Standby Battery (if
installed) must be kept partially charged with the aircraft main battery and external power.
1 Connect external power to the airplane.
2 Put the MASTER switch in the ON position.
3 Allow the avionics standby battery and the Garmin GI 275 Standby Battery (if installed) to charge for 1 hour.
4 Put the MASTER switch in the OFF position.
5 Disconnect external power from the airplane.
(k) Remove the aircraft main battery and store in a cool, dry place. Service battery periodically and charge as required.
(l) Every 90 days, install a fully charged main aircraft battery and charge the avionics standby battery and the Garmin GI
275 Standby Battery (if installed). Use the battery charge procedure in this document.
B. Temporary engine storage.
(1) If it is known that an aircraft is to be out of operation for 30 or more days, the procedures that follow must be applied to the
engine.
(a) Put a preservative in the engine by one of the methods that follow.
1 Drain the oil from the sump or system and replace with a preservative oil mixture. This preservation mixture is
one part by volume of MIL-C-6529C Type I concentrated preservative compound added to three parts by volume
of MIL-L-6082C (SAE J1966), Grade 1100, mineral aircraft engine oil or oil that agrees to MIL-C-6529C Type II.
Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions before use.
2 An alternative method is the use of Cortec VC1-326 preservative concentrate added to the original oil at a ratio
of one part VC1-326 to ten parts of oil.
(b) Operate the engine to get the normal temperatures of operation.
1 Do not stop the engine until the oil temperature is 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). If weather conditions are
below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C), oil temperature must be at least 165 degrees F (73 degrees C) before
shutdown.
(c) Remove the engine cowl to get access to the top spark plugs.
(d) Remove the spark plugs.
NOTE: Oils of the type given are to be used in Lycoming aircraft engines for preservation only and not
for lubrication.
(e) Through the spark plug hole, spray the interior of each cylinder with approximately two ounces of the preservative oil
mixture with an airless spray gun (Spraying Systems Co., Gunjet Model 24A-8395 or equivalent). If an airless spray
gun is not available, a moisture trap can be installed in the air line of a conventional spray gun.
(f) Install the spark plugs.
(g) Do not turn the crankshaft after the cylinders have been sprayed.
(h) If the aircraft is stored in a region of high humidity, or near a sea coast, it is better to use dehydrator plugs and not the
spark plugs. Cylinder dehydrator plugs, MS-27215-2 or equivalent, can be used.
(i) Before the engine has cooled, install small bags of desiccant in the exhaust and intake ports and seal with a moisture
impervious material and pressure sensitive tape.
(j) Firmly attach red cloth streamers to any desiccant bags installed in the intake and exhaust passages to make sure
the material is removed when the engine is made ready for flight. Streamers must be visible from outside the aircraft.
Thr propeller must have a label that says "Engine preserved - do not turn propeller".
(k) Seal all engine openings with plugs. Attach a red streamer at each point that a plug is installed.
(l) If the airplane is to be stored outside, the pitot tube, static source vents, air vent openings in the engine cowl, and
other openings must have protective covers installed to prevent entry of foreign object debris.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-11-00 (Rev 24)

(m) Attach a warning placard to the propeller that says the propeller must not be moved while the engine is in storage.
(n) At 15-day maximum intervals, a periodic check must be made of the cylinder dehydrator plugs and desiccant. When
the color of the desiccant has changed from blue to pink the preservation procedure must be repeated.
WARNING: To prevent serious bodily injury or death, before the propeller is moved, obey all precautions
to prevent the engine start. Disconnect the spark plug leads. Make sure the magnetos are
switched off and P-leads are grounded. Make sure the throttle is closed and the mixture is in
idle cut-off. Do not stand within the arc of the blade. Even without spark, compression can
cause the propeller to move with sufficient force to cause serious injury.
C. Return the airplane to service.
(1) To return the airplane to service, remove seals, tape, and desiccant bags. Use solvent to remove tape residue. Remove
spark plugs or dehydrator plugs. With the magnetos off, turn the propeller by hand through sufficient rotation to remove
excess preservative oil from the cylinders. Drain the remaining preservatives from the engine through the sump.
(2) Install spark plugs and reconnect all parts in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Service the engine with approved
lubrication oil.
4. Inspection During Storage
A. Do an inspection of the airplane.
(1) Do an inspection of the airframe for corrosion at least once a month and remove dust collection as frequently as possible.
Clean the airplane as required.
(2) Do an inspection of the interior of at least one cylinder through the spark plug hole for corrosion at least once a month.
NOTE: Do not move crankshaft when the interior of the cylinders is examined for corrosion.
(3) If at the end of the 90 day period, the airplane is to be continued in storage, repeat the 90-day storage procedure.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-20-00 (Rev 8)

MOORING - MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

1. Mooring
A. When mooring the airplane in the open, head into the wind if possible. Tie down the airplane as follows:
(1) Secure control surfaces with the internal control lock and set brakes.
(2) Tie ropes, cables, or chains to the wing tie-down fittings, located at the upper end of each wing strut. Secure the opposite
ends of ropes, cables, or chains to ground anchors.
(3) Secure rope (no chains or cables) to forward mooring ring and secure opposite end to ground anchor.
(4) Secure the middle of a rope to the tail tie-down ring. Pull each end of rope away at a 45 degree angle and secure to
ground anchors at each side of tail.
(5) Secure control lock on pilot control column. If control lock is not available, tie pilot control wheel back with front seat belt.
(6) These airplanes are equipped with a spring-loaded steering system which affords protection against normal wind gusts.
However, if extremely high wind gusts are anticipated, additional external locks may be installed.

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 Model 172 (Series 1996 And On) Maintenance Manual (Rev 24)
10-30-00 (Rev 8)

RETURN TO SERVICE - MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

1. Flyable Storage Return to Service
A. Flyable storage is defined as a maximum of 30 days nonoperational storage and/or the first 25 hours of intermittent engine
operation. After flyable storage, returning the airplane to service is accomplished by performing a thorough preflight inspection.
At the end of the first 25 hours of engine operation, drain engine oil and replace oil filter. Service engine with correct grade and
quantity of engine oil.
2. Temporary Storage Return to Service
A. Temporary storage is defined as airplane in a nonoperational status for a maximum of 90 days. After temporary storage, use
the following procedures to return the airplane to service:
(1) Remove airplane from blocks and check tires for proper inflation. Check for proper nose gear strut inflation.
(2) Check battery and install.
(3) Check that oil sump has proper grade and quantity of engine oil.
(4) Service induction air filter and remove warning placard from propeller.
(5) Remove materials used to cover openings.
(6) Remove spark plugs from engine.
(7) While spark plugs are removed, rotate propeller several revolutions to clear excess oil from cylinders.
(8) Clean, gap and install spark plugs. Torque spark plugs to the proper value and connect spark plug leads.
(9) Check fuel strainer. Remove and clean filter screen if necessary. Check fuel tanks and fuel lines for moisture and
sediment. Drain enough fuel to eliminate any moisture and sediment.
(10) Perform a thorough preflight inspection, then start and warm up engine.

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