I was reading about the XR-7755 on the Internet and was wondering if you would clear something up for me. Most sources say there were two engines made, but I’ve found there were three versions. The first was set up for a single output shaft, a second had contra-rotating shafts and the third was set […]
Ask Paul
Can we convert from dual mag drive to separate drives?
Can we convert a Lycoming O-540-J3A5D from dual mag drive to separate drives? Can it be done on a 1980 Dakota 236? Our club, The Flying 20 Club of Danbury, Conn., has three planes, a Dakota and two Archers. Recently,during the overhaul of one of our Archers, N8198P, we had the plane equipped with the […]
Confusion abounds on difference in rocker arms
I’m confused about the rocker arm differences on the O-360-A4K parallel valve cylinders because I know about the extreme heat that the exhaust valves endure. My question is why does the intake rocker arm #69444 have the extra oil hole that leads to the intake valve shaft to cool and lubricate it while the exhaust […]
Can I install a constant-speed prop on my engine?
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 […]