2010-07 · NASA ASRS report 930962
A Line Mechanic explains the difficulty trying to determine if a B767-400 aircraft's 'effectivity' allowed a 'G' series fuel boost/jettison pump to be installed as a replacement for a deferred 'F' series pump. Time constraints; inaccurate information; lack of help and only a 'G' pump available; leads to the Mechanic installing the unapproved 'G' type fuel pump.
Flight arrives with left-hand fuel override pump placarded 'inoperative' and popping its circuit breaker. We had approximately 3.5 hours of ground time and decided to remove and replace the pump after checking the wiring. I pulled up the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) in our Maintenance computer system and found the part number (P/N) that matched the pump currently installed on the aircraft. I called Stores to check stock on the part. While waiting; I read the 'miscellaneous data' notes in the IPC. The information was a bit confusing. It stated pump #1 may replace pump #2 after a modification referenced to a service bulletin (SB). The IPC further stated that 'F' pumps were for pre-EA (Engineering Authorized) aircraft. I was unable to find the EA in our maintenance computer. No one (including myself) knew how to determine if the EA had been accomplished on the aircraft. Stores called back and informed me that they did not stock the 'F' pumps. They told me we now use another model of pump and that we have one available in stock. Time was running short and in haste I assumed the aircraft was in compliance with the EA since we now only stocked the 'G' pumps and did not stock the modified sleeve. I changed the pump per Maintenance Manual MM 28-22-05. The operations check failed. While the new ['G'] pump did not pop the circuit breaker; it would not develop [fuel] pressure. Time constraints and a lack of help mitigated further troubleshooting and research on my part. I deactivated the pump and let the current placard remain. Personally; I [now] do not proceed with any job if there is the slightest question of the IPC or Aircraft Maintenance Manual regardless of past practices.
Reporter stated he was informed the B767-400 aircraft he had installed a 'G' series fuel override pump on; had not been modified per an Engineering Authorization (EA) for a 'G' type pump. Only the 'F' series pump was allowed as a replacement. Both pumps operate as a fuel boost and a fuel jettison pump. Reporter stated a Quality Assurance audit noticed the fuel pump 'effectivity' discrepancy between the placard and the 'G' series pump that was installed as a replacement. The 'G' series pump was later removed and a new 'F' series pump installed. Reporter also stated he would have been better off just continuing the original deferral of the 'F' series fuel pump.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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