Q: What is the recommended TBO for a Lycoming TIO-540-J2BD engine in a Piper Chieftain?
ROGER VEZINA
A: Roger, the TBO time for a Lycoming TIO-540-J2BD is 1,800 hours.
However, there is the possibility of an additional 200 hours providing you can meet the following criteria, which I copied from Lycoming Service Instruction 1009BC. This publication covers all of the TBO times for all Lycoming engines and there are several footnotes for almost, if not all, models that detail the specific TBO time and/or any limitations.
Note # 11 from Lycoming Service Instruction 1009BC
If an engine is being used in “frequent” type service, accumulating 40 hours or more per month, and has been operated consistently since being placed in service, add 200 hours to TBO time. (Engines affected by AD 2012-19-01 and not in compliance with AD-2012-19-01 are not eligible for this TBO extension.)
Note: I strongly recommend you review Lycoming Service Instruction 1009BC in its entirety before determining the specific TBO for your engine or whether your engine is eligible for any TBO time extensions.
I have a small piston engine and we recently overhauled it (4-cyl Lycoming). I was recently made aware that my mechanic who overhauled the engine only applied one line of string on the case (bottom side) when he was applying the string to the case before closing it. According to the overhaul manual, you should lay two sets of string on both ends of the odd number side engine case for possible oil leak purposes. The case is closed, torqued, and fully assembled. Would it be well to say we can rest our conscious a bit that the one missing line of string isn’t going to make such a huge difference?, or should we be concerned and disassemble the engine and re-string the case? I understand the stringing is added protection.
Jason, your question has been sent to Ask Paul’s Paul McBride.
I have a 320 in my 172M with 2611 hours smoh. I just passed annual with all cylinders in the 70s. I fly 250+ hours a year. Is this an unusual situation or should I be worried?
James, your question has been sent to Ask Paul’s Paul McBride.