Apache

Wing Tip Tank

Maintenance Manual and
Flight Manual Supplement

High Performance Wing Tips and Tip Tanks

 MET-CO-AIRE

WING TIP TANK MAINTENANCE MANUAL

#23-MM-001
10-23-96

This manual will provide important notes and insights into the proper maintenance
and troubleshooting of the Met-Co-Aire wing tip tank system applicable to the
Piper PA-23 "Aztec and Apache" series of aircraft. PA-23-150, 160, 235 and 250
covered by STC SA1480WE.

Specifications
Capacity 48 U.S. Gallons.

(24 Gallons per side).

Unusable Fuel 2 U.S. GaLLons.

Weight & Balance 25 lbs. (empty) at 116 inches

aft of datum.

System Schematic

@
PIPER OUTBOARD
TANK

l
\
l
»T
N

FImNG I
"

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Notes
1. Be aware that the fueL caps on the tip tanks are "NON-VENTED". Vent for the
tip tanks is picked up at the outboard tank fiLLer neck weLL Do not use any
fuel cap other than the non-vented cap approved by Met-Co-Aire! To do other­
wise may resuLt in the tank not feeding! (The cap is identified by an etching
on the inside which states: Met-Co-Aire PIN 2300 Non-Vented"). Also, verify
that the gasket on the fueL cap is in a workable condition. If not repair or
replace before further flight. A poor seal at the cap can prevent fuel feed.
Average life of fuel cap is approximateLy 1 to 2 years, after which, it should be
replaced.

2. Proper maintenance of the filler neck itself is important to avoid the forma­
tion of corrosion around the neck which couLd lead to fueL contamination and
an inadequate fuel cap seaL

3. The vent for the tip tank is picked up at the outboard filler neck well by a 9
inch rubber hose. This hose forms a loop once installed on the aircraft. If any
feeding problems should develop, this is the area that should be examined
first to verify that this line has not kinked.

4. Be aware that if fuel Leaks from the filler neck well onto the outboard area of
the wing; this indicate~ the one way check valve in the system is either bad or
installed incorrectly. Verify that the sealing ability of the valve has not been
compromised and the valve is installed correctly i.e. the word "UP" on the hex
of the valve is pointing directly up towards the sky. Any cant or inclination of
the valve from the true up position may cause the vaLve not to seaL adequately
resulting in fueL entering the outboard tank and eventualLy overflowing it
when the airpLane isin the static condition on the ground.

5. The check valve is the heart of the system and is designed to provide years of
service. Itis Located directly above an inspection panel near the leading edge
of the wing close to the fuel outlet Line coming from the outboard main tank.
It is important that the valve be kept clean and free of contaminants. The
internal seaL shouLd be kept moist and lubricated and not aLLowed to dry out.

This valve is a highly machined and criticaLLy baLanced part; if it is opened up

for inspection or service it is imperative that it be reassembled correctly with
no disturbance of internal structure or misalignment of the "UP" position on

Apache Wing Tip Tank Maintenance Manual #23-MM-OOl Page 3

 the body of the valve. Should the valve leak (and it has been verified that it is
installed correctly as mentioned in (4) above) then the valve should be re­
placed. New valves can be ordered directly from Met-Co-Aire by calling (714)
870-4610 or (714) 521-0871 or by faxing to (714) 521-4982. Be aware this
valve is a proprietary part and made to exacting specifications incumbent to
this system. Do not attempt to substitute any other valve not approved by
Met-Co-Aire and the FAA!

6. The tip tanks are constructed of reinforced fiberglass covered with a white geL
coat. Resin for the matrixis poLyester. Any damage (of a relativeLy minor
nature i.e. cracks, smaLL pinhoLe leaks, etc.) can be repaired using proper
fiberglass repair techniques by an FAA qualified mechanic using approved
methods as dictated in AC65-15A Section 5 "Aircraft Structural Repairs" and in
accordance with methods outlined in FAR Section 43.

Any serious damage to the tank i.e. where the structural integrity of the tank
has been compromised or internal supporting structures have been damaged;
may be significant enough that the tank should be retired from service. Please
contact Met..Co,Airedirectly should this situation arise.

7. The quick drain flange is located on the underside of the tank and is bonded
into the tank during manufacture. The quick drain is installed during installa­
tion of the tip tanks. VisuaLly examine this area periodically to assure no fuel
is leaking from the quick drain area. DO NOT OVER TlGHTEN the quick drain!

8. The vent outlet is located near the top of the tank on the tank bulkhead. If a
feeding problem develops, this outLet shouLd be checked by blowing air (by
mouth) through it to ascertain the vent is clear. Also on the buLkhead is the
fuel outlet for the tank. This is a threaded brass fitting with a finger screen
attached to it that serves as an internal fuel filter for the tip tank. If fueL will
not come out of the tip tank (and the vent is clear) this fitting can be re­
moved to examine the condition of the finger screen.

It is important that when the fitting is reinstaLLed that the word "UP" is
pointing towards the sky when the fitting is tightened down. This assures the
finger screen, and therefore the fuel pick up, is at the lowest point in the
tank.

Page 4 Apache Wing Tip Tank Maintenance Manual #23-MM-OOl

9. Inspect all hoses, lines, fittings, hardware etc regularly using the prescribed
methods and techniques as outlined in AC43.13-1A Chapter 5 Section 1,
Chapter 6, and Chapter 14 Section 2 along with the dictates of FAR Section 43
to assure their proper working order and continued airworthiness.

10. Average life of the tip tanks is approximately 8 to 12 years depending on

environmental conditions, level of service etc. While many tanks are in service
longer than this, stringent inspections should be foLLowed to assure the
system and its components are in a fully operational and airworthy condition.
Examine the integrity of the tanks by looking for de-laminations, cracks,
abrasions, obvious wear of the tank skin and seams, any areas of leakage and
any signs of structural damage or wear. Asimple pressure test can be made by
blowing (by mouth i.e. approx. 3-7 lbs. of pressure) through the copper vent
Line pick up tube emanating from the bulkhead of the tank (with aLL vents
sealed i.e. fiLLer cap, quick drain etc.) listen and visuaLLy look for obvious
leaks. Soapy water brushed over an area of suspected leakage wiLL bring it to
direct attention.

11. The tip tanks should not be transferred from aircraft to aircraft unless the hole
alignments for the mounting screws that attach the tank to the wing are
identical. If a tank system is transferred from one airplane to another,
Met-Co-Airedenies aU liability expressed or implied and obviates any warran­
ties expressed or implied.

12. Any questions on tip tank operation or maintenance can be answered by

calling us during normal business hours at (714) 870-4610 orby writing us at:

Met-Co.:Aire
P.O. Box 2216
FuLLerton CA 92837

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