Struts and shakes question
OK I finally got a chance to service my struts according to Bayard's instructions, see my previous posts about ground rock. I discovered another thing the former A&P, Jerry L, did not do. Certainly doesn't deserve his helicopter guru reputation. Each one had very little fluid and the fluid that was there was foam. Each one had very little if any nitrogen, or I would'nt doubt air, in them. This guy charged $5000 for an annual. I would think the struts would have been serviced for that. Found one somewhat stuck it was so dry. So now the question. Bayard's instructions said older machines with the extensions should use around 300lbs in front and 350lbs in rear. I did not like the way it stood so I put in 450 rear and 400 front. I have a dip stick that has the strut measurement on the back, but it is for the 280FX. Can anyone tell me how I can use that stick to see if I am standing right now? It is written on the stick "centerline fairing bump" on one end. What does that mean?