I have a Lycoming O-360-A3A in my Cherokee. According to the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), this engine is similar to an -A1A, except without provisions for a constant speed prop. Nevertheless, it is equipped with a hollow crankshaft, and there is a pad on the accessory case for a prop governor. A friend told […]
EGT: What’s normal
If you notice a sudden change compared to what you’ve experienced, then a chat with your maintenance technician might be in order.
Are dual mags reliable?
I own a Cessna R-182 that has a Lycoming O-540 J3C5D engine. It seems like a great engine and runs well. I have a concern about the “”dual-pack”” type magnetos that run off a common gear. Yesterday, another pilot told me of an engine failure that he had years ago in a Cherokee Six where […]
And now, the rest of the story: An update on increased levels of copper in oil
After my Nov. 3 column, “”Why are there increased levels of copper in my oil?”” was published, I received some valuable advice from industry experts on the subject. After doing further research, here’s the rest of the story: First of all, the column was on the mark, but I feel I may have been off […]
Where are the expert answers? Unhappy reader tired of being told to “”look it up””
I am having a hard time finding any usefulness in your column. People ask specific questions and you tell them to look it up. As a reader, I would like to see some sort of expert answer to their questions. Like the mag check, what is your opinion (What’s the best way to test a […]
Why are there increased levels of copper in my oil?
Recent oil analyses seem to be showing increased levels of copper coming from my XP-360. Could you help with a diagnosis? Steve Glasgow-Cappy via email I’ll shoot from the hip on this one because I need more specific information to answer your question, but let’s see what we can do. How about I just throw […]
What STCs are available for my engine?
Can you give me an idea of what STCs are available to convert an O-320-E3D from 150 to 160 hp? David Austin Ponder, Texas David, I suggest you go to the following website to do your research: Airweb.FAA.gov/STC. Once there you’ll be offered several options to locate the information you’re looking for. When looking for […]
What’s the best way to really test a mag?
I often hear from U.S. mechanics that in their opinion the only way to really test a mag is to do it while flying. They say that’s because you can really get the highest rpm, say 2,550, and then do a left/right check as I normally would do at 1,700 on the ground. I’m not […]
Why are some Lycoming engines built without oil filters?
My friend and I were discussing why many Lycoming engines were built without oil filters, just oil screens. He guessed it was because in the beginning they just didn’t have oil filter technology, and once certified, the engine design is hard to change, so they just stayed that way for a long time. My conjecture […]