If you look closely at the photo, you’ll notice that the exhaust valve pushrod shroud tube on the right is bent severely and has fractured the pushrod shroud tube. The intake pushrod shroud tube is also bent, but you’ll also notice that this has caused much more serious damage because it has cracked the tappet boss on the crankcase, which means the crankcase will either need serious repair work completed at an FAA-approved facility or a complete replacement.
Ask Paul: Why is my engine running rough?
The engine on our Piper PA-28-235 runs OK at 2,000 rpms but runs rough at 1,500 rpms. Any insight you can give us to the problem?
Ask Paul: Is this crazing normal?
Those little “cracks” are actually channels for the oil to travel through as it lubricates the cylinder walls.
Why is my engine backfiring?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: I have an engine that will backfire between idle and 1200 rpm. It runs great after that with plenty of power.
What’s causing the yo-yo oil temperatures in my Archer?
Sometimes it’s the simple things that cause you the most trouble.
Ask Paul: A picture tells the story
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News Lycoming engines expert: I have a 1960 Piper Comanche. Can you identify the casting number on top of the engine?
Ask Paul: Is this engine a ticking time bomb?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: Checking with you about CHTs on Cylinders 5 and 6 reaching 445° on climb and cooling to about 400° after power reduction in cruise. This is in our PA-24 260B.
Been there, done that
The engine you choose will definitely impact the design of the cowling, engine baffling, etc., which is why your best source of engine choice and installation will be from “someone who has been there and done that.”
Ask Paul: What should I do with an engine that hasn’t been flown in years?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: I bought an airplane in the summer of 2022 and have not been able to pick it up yet due to a lot of work and a rusty pilot situation. I plan on picking up the aircraft, which has been sitting outside in New Hampshire, in May.