Cessna Skywagon 180H, 180J, 185E, 185F & AGcarryall Series (1969-1976) - Thorough Service, Maintenance & Repair Manual

Cessna Skywagon 180, Skywagon 185 & AGcarryall Series (1969-1976) Service Manual

This comprehensive service manual is the definitive technical resource for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of the legendary Cessna 180 and 185 Skywagon series, including the specialized AGcarryall. Spanning model years 1969 through 1976, this guide provides the professional-grade data required by aircraft mechanics and owners to maintain peak performance and structural integrity.

Whether you are performing a routine 100-hour inspection or a complex structural repair, this manual delivers exact specifications, high-quality technical illustrations, and step-by-step procedures tailored to these high-wing, all-metal bush planes.

Model Coverage & Serial Numbers

This manual provides specific technical data for the following aircraft:

• 180 Skywagon (1969-1972): Model 180H (Serials 18051994 thru 18052284)
• 180 Skywagon (1973-1976): Model 180J (Serials 18052285 thru 18052620 and beginning with 18052621)
• 185 Skywagon (1969-1972): Model A185E (Serials 185-1448 thru 18502090)
• 185 Skywagon (1973-1976): Model A185F (Serials 18502091 thru 18502838 and beginning with 18502839)
• AGcarryall (1972): Model A185E (Serials 18501935 thru 18502090)
• AGcarryall (1973-1976): Model A185F (Serials 18502091 thru 18502838 and beginning with 18502839)

Engineering Insights & Specialized Features

The Cessna 185 series and the AGcarryall are distinguished by their rugged utility. The AGcarryall variant includes unique standard equipment such as:

• Wire Cutters: Installed on each main landing gear spring and the windshield centerline for agricultural safety.
• Enhanced Corrosion Proofing: Crucial for aircraft exposed to agricultural chemicals.
• Large 8.00-6 Tires: Optimized for heavy-duty ground operations.
• Sorensen Spray System: Full technical details for the dispersal systems used in crop-dusting operations.

Comprehensive Technical Sections

• Ground Handling & Servicing: Master the specifics of jacking, towing, and leveling. Includes detailed charts for tire pressures (Standard 6.00 x 6 or Optional 8.00 x 6) and hydraulic brake fluid requirements (MIL-H-5606).
• Powerplant & Engine Systems: Complete coverage for the Continental O-470 series (Skywagon 180) and the fuel-injected IO-520 series (Skywagon 185). Learn the proper break-in procedures using straight mineral oil (MIL-C-6529) before transitioning to ashless dispersant oil.
• Landing Gear & Brakes: In-depth service data for the conventional tailwheel-type landing gear, including the optional castering axles designed to minimize lurching during crosswind landings.
• Control Systems: Precise rigging instructions for ailerons, elevators, and the adjustable horizontal stabilizer used for longitudinal trim.
• Structural Repair: Detailed guidelines for maintaining the aluminum semimonocoque fuselage and wings, including repair techniques for the acrylic plastic windshields and windows.
• Wiring & Dispersal Systems: Full schematics for the electrical systems and the specialized dispersal equipment found on agricultural models.

Why This Manual is Essential

This isn't just a basic overview; it is a meticulous deep-dive into the mechanical DNA of your Cessna. You'll find critical torque values (pound-inches) for steel nuts on oil-free cadmium-plated threads, specialized lubrication points using MIL-G-81322A grease, and inspection requirements that meet FAA standards. For owners of the 185 series, the manual even covers the specialized tailwheel locking system and inertia reel shoulder harness installations.

Equip yourself with the same level of information used by certified aviation technicians to ensure the safety, longevity, and performance of your Cessna Skywagon or AGcarryall.