CH-47D ... sloppy samplings slashed.

Taking a fuel sample on a Chinook can be a messy job, mechanics.

But before you start grabbing things from bench stock to use to get a sample, here's a simple tool that lets you open the drain, direct the fuel into your sample jar and close the drain using one hand.

You'll need to locally purchase a sample jar, then order these parts:

  Item           NSN

Plug       4730-00-540-2232
Cap        4730-00-554-8917
Bolt       5306-00-687-7570
Nuts (2)   5310-00-877-5796

Here are the plans to make it:

1. Thread a nut on the bolt and run it down all the way.

2. Cut a screwdriver tip slot on the end of the bolt.

3. Remove the nut to clean the bolt threads, then run the nut down all the way again.

4. Drill a 1/4-in hole in the center of cap, plug and jar lid.

S. Put the bolt through the hole in the plug, then through the jar lid (from bottom), and then through the cap. Put the other nut on the bolt and run it down tight.

6. Drill five drain holes through the cap, lid and plug around the bolt.

Put the device on the sampling jar and you're done and ready to take a sample.

[ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]