Q: I am in the process of acquiring a Piper Seneca equipped with twin Continental TSIO-360-RB engines. Both engines have about 450 hours to go before overhaul. The aircraft was last flown approximately three years ago. Technicians maintain that the cylinders have to be honed due to glazing as a result of the time elapsed since the […]
Ask Paul
Ask Paul: What to do about a broken stud?
Q: If on a radial engine (specifically a Warner) one finds one stud broken at the flange level, would you recommend replacing all the affected cylinder studs? I assume cylinder movement caused the break. Gennaro Avolio A: I believe in this particular situation I would only replace the broken stud. However, I would very closely […]
What’s fueling higher engine temps?
Q: I own a factory overhauled O-360 A4A, which I’ve owned since it left the factory. I’ve flown behind it for 600 hours. I recently had a prop strike and the engine was stripped and reassembled with no damage found. All they replaced were the exhaust valve guides and piston rings. (And all the rest as per […]
How extensive an inspection does my engine need?
Q: I have 210 hours on my engine, which was overhauled in November 2009 at 3,288 hours. Five of the eight studs are now broken on cylinder #3. The motor had only a slight vibration during the last 3/10ths of an hour before discovering the broken studs. I would appreciate your input as to how extensive an inspection […]
One engine, many questions
Q: I have a Cessna 172N with the Lycoming O-320-H2AD 76 series engine, serial number L-3406-76. I’m trying to sell it, and I’m getting all kinds of questions regarding the “A” suffix, the “T” mod, and others that are way too far out there to even mention. As an A&P/IA, I’m fairly familiar with the […]
Ask Paul: Should I worry about just a little rust in the cylinders?
Q: My Piper Colt PA-22-108, has a C1B installed. I have a little rust in the cylinders in the lower part. From the middle part and up to the top of the piston area there are no cracks or visible rust. I have honed all cylinders and there are no sharp edges. GUNNAR HEGSTAD, Norway A: […]
What is causing bent rods and sticking valves?
Q: I am acquainted with two IO-540 engines with 1,000-plus hours that have bent rods in the #5 cylinder and stuck valves in the #2 cylinder. One aircraft was manufactured in 2007 and the other in 2009. The oil has always been changed at 50 hours using Exxon Elite 20/50. Any particular thoughts? RICHARD WEICHMAN, via […]
Time for an overhaul or just keep flying?
Q: I have a ’69 Skyhawk with 2,500 hours on the engine. Good compression, no metal, one quart oil burn every eight hours. Should I get a top overhaul or a complete engine overhaul or just keep flying until an indication of a problem? TED HALL, Upperco, Md. A: Well, I must tell you that with 2,500 […]
Ask Paul: More on Narrow Deck vs. Wide Deck engines
Q: Regarding Narrow Deck and Wide Deck Lycoming engines, what would be the differences between a Narrow Deck O360 and IO360 heads, sump, and fuel pump? The cylinders appear the same. BOB STOUGHTON, via email A: The Narrow Deck vs Wide Deck question regarding Lycoming engines seems to surface from time to time. There is no […]