SEI BAMBI BUCKET User manual

BAMBI BUCKET
(2024–4453 MODELS)
SERVICE
MANUAL
2017 VERSION G

2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual (Models 2024-4453) (Version G)
We Engineer Solutions
BAMBI BUCKET SERVICE MANUAL - Version G
(Models 2024-4453 only)
Issue Date: January 2017
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING.
SEI INDUSTRIES LTD.
7400 Wilson Avenue
Delta, B.C. Canada
V4G 1H3
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sei-ind.com
COPYRIGHT © 2017 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN CANADA

2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual (Models 2024-4453) (Version G)
We Engineer Solutions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Introduction 1
Bambi Bucket (Models 2024–4453) .............................................................................1
Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket 2
Deployment Instructions ...............................................................................................2
Attaching to the Cargo Hook ..........................................................................2
Control Head Operation ..................................................................................4
Connecting Power ..........................................................................................4
Using Longlines ..............................................................................................5
Instant Deployment System (IDS) ................................................................................9
Section 3: Using Accessories 10
Using the PowerFill System ........................................................................................10
System Overview ..........................................................................................10
System Description .......................................................................................10
Flying with the PowerFill Snorkel System .....................................................11
Filling the Bambi Bucket with the PowerFill Snorkel System ........................11
Using Foam ................................................................................................................13
Sacksafoam Foam Injection System ............................................................13
Compatible Bambi Bucket/Sacksafoam Models ...........................................14
Bambi Mobility Cart ....................................................................................................15
Section 4: Making Adjustments 16
Adjusting Various Components ..................................................................................16
Adjusting the Dump Valve Udder .................................................................16
Adjusting the Udder via the Tripline ..............................................................16
Adjusting Purse Strings in the Dump Valve ..................................................17
Checking Purse Line Adjustment ..................................................................18
Section 5: Packing and Storage 19
Packing and Storing ...................................................................................................19
Packing the Bucket .......................................................................................19
Storing the Bambi Bucket .............................................................................23
Section 6: Troubleshooting Guide 24
General Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................. 24
Control Head Troubleshooting ......................................................................25

2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual (Models 2024-4453) (Version G)
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Section 7: Control Head Maintenance 29
Operation and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 29
Control Head Operation ................................................................................29
Tripline Replacement ..................................................................................................29
Removing the Old Tripline ............................................................................30
Winding the Spring Reel ...............................................................................32
Installing a New Tripline ...............................................................................33
Spring Power Reel Replacement ...............................................................................37
Removing Old Spring Reel ...........................................................................37
Catch Replacement ......................................................................................40
Section 8: Repair Categories and Criteria 42
Overview of Repair Categories ...................................................................................42
Category 1: Safety........................................................................................ 42
Category 2: Operational ...............................................................................42
Category 3: Monitor ......................................................................................42
Category 4: OKAY ........................................................................................42
Bucket Shell Repair Criteria ....................................................................................... 43
Cables Repair Criteria ................................................................................................44
IDS Hub Repair Criteria ..............................................................................................45
M-Straps/Top Chains Repair Criteria .........................................................................46
Control Head Repair Criteria ......................................................................................47
Section 9: General Maintenance and Repairs 48
Maintenance and Repairs............................................................................................48
Purse Line Replacement ..............................................................................48
Suspension Line Replacement .....................................................................50
M-Strap Replacement ...................................................................................52
Removing Old M-Straps ...............................................................................53
Installing New M-Straps (Short) ....................................................................54
Installing New M-Straps (Long) ....................................................................56
Dump Valve Replacement ............................................................................58
Bottom Loop Repairs ....................................................................................59
Bucket Patching ............................................................................................59
IDS Hub/Spokes Replacement .....................................................................60
Bambi Bucket Shell Repairs ....................................................................................... 62
Repair Failures .............................................................................................62
Repairing in High Humidity ...........................................................................63
Making Temporary Repairs with Sealing Clamps .........................................64
Temporary Repairs Using Glue .................................................................................. 66
Applying the Glue .........................................................................................66
Gluing with Patches ......................................................................................67
Cutting the Patch ..........................................................................................68
Applying the Patch ........................................................................................68
Hot Air Gun Patching ..................................................................................................70
Hot Air Gun Procedure .................................................................................71
Repair Kits ..................................................................................................................72

2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual (Models 2024-4453) (Version G)
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Repair Kit Parts Table ..................................................................................72
Optional Supplies .........................................................................................72
Section 10: Specifications and Parts 73
Capacity and Weight Specifications ...........................................................................73
Bambi with PowerFill Snorkel Capacity and Weight Specifications ..............73
Control Head Parts List, Models 2024-4453, Major Components ................74
Control Head Parts List, Models 2024-4453, Bolts, Nuts and Washers .......75
Control Head Parts List, Models 2024-4453, Catch, Linkage, Terminal .......76
Control Head Parts List, Models 2024-4453, Clevis, Cotter and Split Pins ..77
Valve Models 2024-3542 ..............................................................................78
Valve Model 4453......................................................................................... 89
Valve Kits ......................................................................................................80
Bucket Shell, Models 2024-4453 ..................................................................81
Bucket Shell, Models 2024-4453 (continued) ...............................................82
Cinch Strap, Models 2024-4453 ...................................................................83
Rigging, Models 2024-4453 ..........................................................................84
Rigging, Models 2024-4453 (continued) .......................................................85
IDS System, Models 2024-4453 ...................................................................86
IDS System, Models 2024-4453 (continued) ................................................87
Ballast Systems, Models 2024-3542 ............................................................88
Ballast Systems, Model 4453 .......................................................................89
PowerFill Snorkel Drawing ...........................................................................90
Filter Basket Assembly .................................................................................91
Filter Basket Assembly (continued) ..............................................................92
Motor Assembly ............................................................................................93
Motor Assembly (continued) .........................................................................94
Recuperator ..................................................................................................95
Recuperator (continued) ...............................................................................96
Discharge Hose Assembly ...........................................................................97
Discharge Hose Assembly (continued) .........................................................98
Flange Assembly for Shell ............................................................................99
Retrofit Flange Kit Assembly ......................................................................100
Flapper Valve Assembly .............................................................................101
Packaging Parts List ...................................................................................102
Trouble Shooter Kit Model 2024-3542 (006208) ....................................... 102
Trouble Shooter Kit Model 4453 (006210) .................................................102
Section 11: Warranty 103
Section 12: Drawings 104
Pilot Controls ..............................................................................................104
Pilot Controls, US InterAgency ...................................................................105
Bambi Crew Controls ..................................................................................106
Bambi Crew Controls (using remote power supply) ...................................107

Section 1: Introduction Bambi Bucket (Models 2024–4453)
2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 (Version G) 1
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Section 1: Introduction
Bambi Bucket (Models 2024–4453)
This manual provides helicopter operators with information on the service and maintenance of the Bambi
bucket and PowerFill Snorkel. This service manual also includes all parts lists and installation drawings. A
separate Bambi bucket operations manual is also supplied which should be carried on-board the helicopter.
For your own protection, and for longer bucket life, always
read the instructions and warnings. Ignoring these warnings
could result in personal injury, bucket damage or aircraft
damage.
SEI Industries Ltd. offers complete parts supply and repair
services for the Bambi bucket. For a repair facility in your
area, please contact SEI.
For maintenance and repair purposes, parts diagrams and
descriptions are provided in this manual. When ordering
parts, please provide the model and serial number of your
Bambi bucket.
There are several other models of buckets available from SEI
Industries. These include Bambi bucket model series 6072-
1821 and 5566-9800 as well as the Signature series of Bambi
buckets.
In addition, a number of accessories and enhancements are
also available including the Bambi MAX, the Torrentula
valve, the Powerfill Torrentula system and the Powerfill Snorkel system.
For more copies of this manual, please contact SEI or visit our website at www.bambibucket.com for more
information on these products.
Cut away view of standard Bambi bucket.

Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 (Version G) 2
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Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket
Deployment Instructions
Attaching to the Cargo Hook
The Bambi bucket is rigged for a lateral cargo hook. Correct attachment is indicated when the name plate
on the control head faces forward in flight. This ensures that the ballast on the Bambi will also face forward
in flight.
The control head used on models 2024-4453 has a
moveable yoke which can be rotated by 90 degrees.
The yoke is machined to orient in either direction.
Caution
The Bambi bucket may not be suitable for a direct hook-up to the cargo hook. The actual hook-
up will be different for various aircraft and operators must comply with all instructions and
bulletins supplied by the aircraft manufacturer. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the
Bambi bucket is correctly fitted to the helicopter.
Caution
It is important that the ballast faces forward in flight. This will avoid twisting of the suspension
lines and possible jamming of the trip line.
Hole used when
rotating head.

Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 (Version G) 3
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If your helicopter has a longitudinal hook, rotate the shackle yoke unit at the top of the head by 90-degrees.
This will place the name plate on the control head forward in flight.
For this style of head, if using a swivel hook, we recommend that you always operate in the locked position
to assure that the ballast is always facing forward in flight.
In some cases, where the cargo hook is too large for the standard shackle, a second larger shackle can be
used.
Important Note
If you are using a swivel with an electrical connection, then it is acceptable for the bucket to be
flown without the ballast facing forward. The Bambi bucket has been tested with some aerospace
swivel arms and performs very well despite rotating in flight. The swivel also prevents the
suspension lines from twisting up after dipping the bucket.
Warning
When a second shackle is used to turn the bucket 90 degrees, choose a shackle that is the same size
as the shackle on the head. If a very large shackle is used, as shown in the photo below, it may
cause the power cable to tangle in the shackle, pulling apart the break-away plug.
If the shackle is too
large, it may cause the
power cable to tangle,
pulling apart the break-
away plug.

Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 (Version G) 4
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Control Head Operation
For proper operation of the control head, avoid the following modifications:
• Do not use another type of bearing as a replacement for the ball bearing.
• Do not use lockwire as a substitute for the swage blocks on the tripline.
• Do not shorten or change the portion of the tripline which attaches to the reel.
• Do not use threaded bolts as a substitute for clevis pins.
• Do not modify the size or angles of the catch, other than as recommended.
• Do not tighten control head suspension bolts over 5 ft.-lbs. (6.5 Nm).
Connecting Power
The control head of the Bambi bucket comes equipped with a short length of electrical cable. A common
electrical plug, male and female, is supplied with each bucket. The operator can change the plugs to make
them compatible with plugs on their aircraft, if desired.
To complete the wiring hookup:
1. Connect a plug to the wire supplied on the control head.
Warning
Do not remove the cover on the control head while operating the Bambi bucket. Part of the tripline
safety keeper is cast into the control head cover. With the cover removed, this safety feature is no
longer functional. Without the safety keeper functioning, a separated tripline could cause a tail
rotor strike which could result in severe injury or death and/or helicopter damage.
Important Note
To operate the solenoid and release the water, use a momentary contact switch rated for 5 amps
at 24 VDC. A suitable switch is available from SEI Industries. Alternatively, a lower rated switch
may be used with a relay (see suggested wiring diagram). The solenoid has a 10% duty cycle
(designed to not be operated more than 10% of the time). Operating the solenoid continuously will
result in solenoid failure.

Section 2: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
2017 Bambi Bucket Service Manual – Models 2024-4453 (Version G) 5
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2. Make a 12 AWG or heavier two-wire interconnecting electrical cable long enough to run from the
bucket cable to the accessory plug on the belly of the helicopter (leave enough length for the
control head to swing freely).
3. Attach the mating plug to one end of the interconnecting cable.
4. To check for continuity in the connections, push the momentary contact switch. A clicking sound
should be heard from the control head.
5. With the engine running, test for a minimum of 24 VDC at the breakaway plug. If the voltage is
lower than 24 volts, use a heavier gauge wire for the interconnecting cable. Re-test to confirm a
minimum of 24 VDC at the breakaway plug.
The purpose of the plug is to offer a clean “breakaway” if the Bambi bucket has to be jettisoned from the
aircraft in an emergency. It is suggested that the plug be lightly taped together with vinyl tape, while in use,
to ensure that wind action does not separate the plug. Current draw is 5 amps (24/28 VDC).
There are four types of suggested wiring installations (see Section 12: Diagrams):
1. Pilot control: In this configuration, the control is wired into the pilot’s control column through a
relay.
2. Pilot control (US InterAgency): In this configuration, the control is wired into the pilot’s control
column through a 50 amp relay as per US interagency regulations. This system can also be used to
control a heli-torch, etc.
3. Crew control: This configuration allows a crew member or the pilot to control the dumping of the
bucket using power from the helicopter and a remote switch box.
4. Crew control (remote power supply): This configuration allows a crew member or the pilot to
control the dumping of the bucket using a battery pack to supply the power to the remote switch
box.
Using Longlines
Longlines should be at least 50 ft. long to keep the Bambi bucket well clear of the helicopter’s tail rotor.
When using a longline, care must be taken in selecting the correct gauge of control cable. See the chart
below for recommendations.
Important Note
It is recommended that operators, who choose to use the Bambi bucket with a longline, ensure that
the longline is at least 50’ long.