Q: I have a 1962 Piper Cherokee 160 with the O-320-D2A engine. The engine had a complete overhaul in 1992 and only 500 SMOH. In addition, 20 hours ago the engine had an annual in which an oil change was done, new plugs, and compressions in the 78/80 range. What I have noticed is when […]
How to break-in your engine
I recently received a letter asking about engine break-in following overhaul. This is a subject that should be of interest to everyone, even though you may never actually have the opportunity to break-in an engine during your flying years. It makes no difference whether it is a factory new, factory rebuilt, factory overhaul, or an […]
The importance of keeping current
Q: I have a Glasair with a Lycoming IO-360-B1E engine. After reading your article in the May 11 issue, I tried to get a copy of Lycoming’s SI1325A to see if I should change the timing from 25 to 20 degrees BTDC, but was not able to find that instruction. Can you help? RON WALTERS, […]
Ask Paul: Too much information about our engines?
Q: I have a factory reman Lycoming O-540 E4B5 with 300 hours and 2.5 years on it. At idle (1,000 rpm), my JPI is showing alarms on the #1 EGT for having a large differential — #1 EGT is only 600° while the rest are 1,200-1,300°. Above 1,500 rpm and higher everything seems fine with […]
The marriage between piston rings and cylinder wall
Getting back to the main point, if you don’t remove the piston from the cylinder, then you don’t have to worry about disturbing the marriage I spoke of, and honing and installing new rings is not required.
Will this replacement camshaft work in my engine?
Q: I have an O-290-D2 that I am going to use in an Experimental Wag Aero 2+2 that I am building. Although the engine was flying regularly before I removed it from a Pacer and pickled it, I want to open it up to look at the cam. If the cam is pitted, a replacement […]
Ask Paul: What causes this popping sound?
Q: I am test flying my new RV-9. It has a new Superior O-320, dual p-mags and an MTV11 2-blade MT prop. When it has been running at cruise power for a few minutes or more (say 2,300 rpm x 23 inches or more) and then I reduce the throttle, I get a popping/crackling sound […]
Ask Paul: What’s best? A flush or overhaul?
Q: I recently found paper towel bits and pieces in a Lycoming engine in an aerobatic airplane. The pilot said he saw the oil pressure go to “zero,” so he reduced power, and landed safely. Would you suggest a flush or overhaul? What’s the best way to go about this? ED NELSON, via email A: […]
Ask Paul: Why is my spark plug oil-fouled?
Q: I have been noticing an intermittent miss on the left mag during mag checks on the O-235L2C in my 1981 Cessna 152 (about 670 SMOH that included new Lycoming cylinders and pistons). About 30 hours ago when I cleaned, regapped, and rotated the plugs, I found that the lower plug on the #4 cylinder […]