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Old November 29th 05, 03:28 PM posted to rec.aviation.owning
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Default Saratoga Gear Retract Problem

"john smith" wrote
John, which engine on the Seneca drives the hydraulic pump?


The electric one bolted to the top of the powerpack-think Meyer snow
plow.


(Sound of Homer Simpson "dope slap")
Can you tell I'm not a multi-pilot? :-))


Don't feel bad, it's the left engine on our Aztec, no electric hyd pump.

Now... along those lines... what would cause a sudden "over flow puddle"
from our Aztec's hyd system? Plane's annual was this summer, hyd system
topped off with fluid, we've flown it about 40 hours since then. Saturday,
the engines were due for fresh oil and filters so I took her out for a short
joy ride to warm everything up. Changed the oil and filters but didn't have
a chance to pull it back out and do a run up to check for leaks. So last
night I go up to the hanger to do that and I notice a puddle of hyd fluid
directly below the overflow tube near the rear of the nose gear wheel well.

The drop hanging from the overflow tube confirmed where it was coming from,
nothing else wet or washed off, but why? why after 40 hours of flying and
probably a dozen gear/flap extensions and retractions would it decide to
overflow any excess fluid at this time??

I was able to add about 6-8 oz of fluid to the system to top it off. Ran
the flaps up and down, no leaks noticed anywhere, no additional overflow out
the overflow tube. System fill tube stayed full.

Any ideas??? TC what ya think??

Thanks
Jim