2010-07 · NASA ASRS report 905037
A Line Mechanic performing a 150 hour inspection on a Bell 206 reports not having a specific cleaner/degreaser available to clean the RR C30 engine fuel nozzles as called out in the AMM. He was instructed by his supervisor to use jet fuel.
I was asked to travel to ZZZ to perform an engine 150 hour Inspection as well as an Event-2 Inspection with the new Base Mechanic on the aircraft. I arrived in ZZZ and checked into a hotel. I got approximately 3.5 hours of sleep before waking up to perform this maintenance during a period of weather opportunity the next day. Upon arriving to the Base; I opened the rear trunk of my vehicle to unload my tools. At this time a glass jar containing Brulin fell out of my vehicle and broke. Brulin is the chemical used for cleaning fuel nozzles. I proceeded to unload my tools and bring them to the helicopter. At this time I realized that this new base did not have a jar of this chemical.I informed my Supervisor of what had happened. He instructed me to use jet fuel to clean the fuel nozzle; and that we would make sure it got cleaned. The drive time from where I was to the Regional Maintenance Office was approximately three hours one way. I referred to the Maintenance Due Report for this aircraft and determined that the next inspection where this action would be repeated was a very short time away. I chose to follow my Supervisor's orders and clean the fuel nozzle with aircraft jet fuel.I removed the fuel nozzle; visually inspected for obvious damage; checked for proper spray pattern; and reinstalled. After all work was accomplished; a Ground Run Leak Check was performed with no issues. Given the increased down time and my Superior's orders I decided to deviate from protocol. This is not something I believe in doing nor have I ever done. I realize that given all of the circumstances; I let down time; fatigue; and pressure affect my morals.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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