QUESTION: I have a 2001 Maule with an O-360-C1F engine that had been running flawlessly until a few months ago. I have a JPI-700 and have noticed that the peak EGTs have been slowly climbing from the original low-1500°s to 1600° or so. Cylinders #1 and #3 are higher than #2 and #4. Also, #1 […]
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Is it a sticking valve? An induction leak?
QUESTION: I have a 1993 Glasair experimental that has a standard Lycoming 180 hp IO-360A1B (fuel injected). Some months ago, my #2 EGT suddenly started to climb to about 1480° in cruise and at altitude. The other cylinders stayed the same and have never changed. I tried all different power settings and still no change. […]
What’s the best engine for a kit-built helicopter?
QUESTION: I just purchased a Safari kit-built helicopter. The factory has configured the kit for the O-360. The engine is mounted vertically using a conversion kit supplied by the manufacturer. My question concerns which version of the O-360, in your opinion, would be best suited for this application. Would you recommend turbo charging or electronic […]
Can you use synthetic oil in a piston engine?
QUESTION: I am in the process of building a Zodiac 601 XL and intend on using an 0-235 Lycoming engine. My question: Can you use the Amsoil synthetic engine oil in this, or any other piston aircraft engine, without any problems? Steve Dunn Elwood, Ind. ANSWER: Steve, congratulations on your Zodiac 601 project. It’s good […]
Is a teardown warranted?
QUESTION: Thanks for your great column. It is wonderful having a resource like yourself. My question is regarding an intercooled TIO-540-S1A installed in an Aerostar 601P. The right engine MAP has been rapidly increasing past the 29.5″” limit. This has happened on takeoff as well as in cruise. In each instance the power has been […]
Should engine break-in after an overhaul be as fast as possible?
QUESTION: After an engine overhaul, it is recommended that the engine be run at high power settings for 50 hours during the break-in period and oil consumption, etc., is to be monitored. My question: Is there any advantage or requirement to putting these hours on as fast as possible or can this be spread out […]
How do I figure what parts to use for an early O-320?
QUESTION: I have one of the very early O-320s with no suffix. Can you enlighten me as to what modern engine code I should use to buy parts for it? I went to the Lycoming website and it lists the A2A as the earliest generation, but I have heard that is not necessarily correct. Rick […]
Will TCP help with lead buildup?
QUESTION: I have a Rotax 912 and am concerned about lead buildup in the engine using 100LL. Will TCP reduce the problem? Hugh Cox Destin, Fla. ANSWER: I””ll step out of my box on this one because I think my answer will apply across the board regarding the use of TCP. Many operators over the […]
Failure of mysterious part results in emergency landing
QUESTION: I have a 1975 Piper Warrior with a Lycoming 0-320 E3D. On the way to Oshkosh I lost oil pressure and made an emergency landing (aircraft and I are OK). At first I thought I had lost the front crankcase seal due to the huge amount of oil on the cowling. We took the […]