Mark

Behind the racks where the couplers are seated are two ≈1/4" copper(?) tubes joined together and bolted to the top of the antenna itself. The connection is covered with sealant.
  
     
     
  
Could this connection be corroded enough to cause bad reception/transmission of HF signals? Possible, but I haven't seen an example over the course of my time on aircraft.

It would take digging all the sealant off, disconnection, cleaning everything up, re-connection, and re-sealing, to correct an issue like that.

The "ground" side connection (or ground path) of the antenna is actually all the perimeter screws that hold the antenna to the vertical stabilizer.
 

The whole point of a Constant Speed Drive is to do just that.... hold the frequency within a set tolerance. Without looking, 400Hz +/- 10 Hz.

If the frequency drifts higher or lower that 390/410Hz. The Generator Control Unit will take it off line.

These units a pretty damn reliable. 397-403 is usually seen as a frequency.

If you're reading low freq's, the CSD is NOT doing its job.

If the frequency is showing low, but generator is "not" dropping off line, you need to be verifying the indication system.

I have never seen an indication that was wrong when the generator is staying online.

You would be looking at a bunch of areas of possible faults, not just grounds.

I cannot answer your question. That is a engineering and quality control issue.

I am a mechanic. I choose to be a mechanic because I don't want to ever have to deal with these types of problems. Higher-ups deal with this..... not me.

This is above my level.

If "I' were pulling the stairs..... the whole assembly and mounting brackets would be removed.

All these removed parts are listed as salvageable. Meaning they can be thrown away if needed.

This boils down to "if your using the stairs now" or "if there is a future need".

If that's a double "no"..... pull them out.

They add weight and make a already tight electrical compartment..... worse.

Engineering is responsible for deciding if the stairs are usable or not.

The wires are not capped and stowed for the purpose of using the stairs again in the future. If the wires are capped..... they will have to be re-terminated. Just adding an extra step to the process.

Pulling, capping, and labeling is a normal procedure for deactivation of systems.

The 737's entry stairs are a bitch to work on or find parts for..... if not absolutely needed..... they should remain inop.

The print doesn't ask for it to be capped off. Just the collar.

A capped wire is shown as.....