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Paul McBride

I’ve replaced the problem cylinders, should I replace the others?

By Paul McBride · June 5, 2023 · 6 Comments

Given the engine times and now having #2 and #4 pistons and rings replaced and valves rebuilt, I’m leaning heavily toward performing the same maintenance on #1 and #3, with new pistons and rings, even though they aren’t suspected of any issue, but wanted to seek your wisdom on this first.

Ask Paul: Is it a bad engine or bad maintenance?

By Paul McBride · May 8, 2023 · 7 Comments

A flying club’s maintenance officer wants to upgrade one of the club’s airplane engines, claiming the engine is known for having “lots of reliability issues.” Another member of the club turned to our expert to get his advice on what’s really going on with the engine.

Is our airplane’s EGT harmful to the exhaust valves?

By Paul McBride · May 3, 2023 · 9 Comments

Is an EGT in the 1510 range harmful to the exhaust valves in our 1978 Piper Lance II?

What is causing that popping noise in my engine?

By Paul McBride · April 9, 2023 · 9 Comments

Question for Paul McBride, General Aviation News’ engines expert: I’ve noticed that if I reduce the throttle quickly I get a popping noise from the exhaust for a few seconds that then quits. A slow reduction in power to idle doesn’t cause it.

A simple check to see if your aircraft engine is manufacturing metal

By Paul McBride · February 23, 2023 · 9 Comments

If the engine is manufacturing metal, this simple check will give you enough information to make a decision as to whether the engine actually does have a serious problem.

What is causing vibration in Navajo Chieftain left engine?

By Paul McBride · February 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

When it comes to vibrations on a Piper Navajo Chieftain, there are several possibilities. From my experience, one of the most common causes is the engine mount rubbers have exceeded their useful life.

Why are the spark plugs on my Cessna 152’s engine filled with oil?

By Paul McBride · January 29, 2023 · 6 Comments

My suspicion of what’s causing the problem is that the piston rings are completely worn out.

What are the advantages to a high compression conversion of my aircraft’s engine?

By Paul McBride · December 29, 2022 · 7 Comments

Reader Jeffrey A. Hughes asks our engines expert: What is the advantage to doing a high compression conversion to a Lycoming O-320 (from 150 hp to 160 hp)? I suppose the obvious answer is 10 more horsepower, but my natural inclination, given the name “high compression,” would be improved fuel economy. Are there other advantages?

A master class in how to winterize your airplane

By Paul McBride · December 4, 2022 · 12 Comments

There has always been controversy about how to best prepare general aviation aircraft engines for long-term storage, but from my viewpoint, you’ve covered all the bases and then some.

Should I buy this aircraft that has only 49 hours on it?

By Paul McBride · October 2, 2022 · 7 Comments

I’d suggest you approach buying any aircraft slowly, and ask lots of questions, such as total time, does it have a history of extended periods of activity, and review any and all maintenance records.

Ask Paul: The real concern about not changing your airplane’s oil

By Paul McBride · September 14, 2022 · 5 Comments

A lot of people believe the recommended oil change intervals is something the oil companies push in order to sell more oil. It’s obvious that they’ve never seen the inside of an engine that has had infrequent oil changes and the damage caused by corrosion.

Ask Paul: What is this mystery engine?

By Paul McBride · September 5, 2022 · 3 Comments

It’s best to do your research before buying an airplane with an engine you aren’t familiar with.

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