Q: While TBO is recommended as 2,000 hours or 12 years, whichever comes first, the brokers trying to sell me a used plane always belittle that second limitation, chalking it up to Lycoming wanting to sell more rebuilds. Can you clear the air on this one? HUTCHINSON PERSONS, via email A: The text of Lycoming […]
Ask Paul
Why can’t I find Service Instructions online?
I just checked the Service Instruction list at Lycoming’s website and SI 1294, which you referred to in the Jan. 25 GAN (What do to about a “”slightly”” rough running engine), is not listed. Has it been updated to another number? TOM DINNDORF via email Tom, I’m not certain what list you checked, but I […]
Engine exhaust creates unsafe condition for Colt owner
My Piper Colt has a strong odor of engine exhaust in the cockpit. The mechanic says he is sure the muffler is good, and turning off the heater does not change the amount of odor. Looking at the floor board, directly below the seats, I can see a lot of daylight. There’s an upholstery cover […]
What to do about a ‘slightly’ rough running engine
I always look forward to hearing what you have to say, so here is my question: I fly a 1954 Piper PA-22/20 with an O-320 (no suffix) Lycoming, with about 975 hours since major. I fly it 150 to 175 hours per year, and keep up with all the maintenance an old ship requires. The […]
Is a factory rebuilt engine reliable?
I probably will buy a C-172 with a new — actually rebuilt — O-310-H2AD engine. Do you know if this engine is reliable? Does it meet the latest factory changes? The seller is asking a lot for this aircraft, but it has a “”new”” engine. MICHEL de LEEUW The Netherlands From the information you provided […]
There are no stupid questions… Just unusual ones that, unfortunately, don’t have the desired answer
This seems like a stupid question but I’m going to ask anyway. Did Lycoming ever have a service kit to put hydraulic lifters into the O-235? I’ve got a group of owners in a 152 Cessna who seem likely to trade back and forth on the oil changes and forget the valve lash check. They’re […]
How do I install an oil cooler on my homebuilt?
I have an O-235 Lycoming engine. The assembly case has not been drilled to accept an oil cooler. I called Lycoming Tech Service, but got no help. What needs to be done seems pretty clear, but I would like some technical advice. This engine is going on a homebuilt. GREY BIGGS via email I’ll apologize […]
Which valve is safe to use?
QUESTION: I have a question on my IGO-540-A1A, an engine with a rated RPM of 3,400. When it comes time for an overhaul, S.I. 1037K calls for intake valve LW-12949. This valve is prohibited from use in an HIO-360-D1A, an engine with a rated RPM of 3,200 by S.I. 1280C. The use of this valve […]
Prepare your plane for winter
For those of us who reside in northern climates, it’s time for us to begin thinking about what we need to do to get our aircraft ready to put in the barn for the winter. Certain recommendations also should be considered for aircraft that have less than regular use during the cold snowy months. The […]