Ask Paul

Where can I obtain CAD information for Continental and Lycoming engines to use in a preliminary airplane design? In addition to the dimensions of the engines and very specific positions and angles for mounting and accessories, I’d like to have weight, C.G., etc. I’d also like to have some information on rpm ranges and vibration […]

QUESTION: I have a 1979 Cessna 152 II with a Lycoming 110 hp engine. I have a hard time starting it in all weather conditions with any combination of prime, from zero to four primes. Many times it will not start, draining the battery. How can I resolve this problem? Joe Ragon Okeechobee, Fla. ANSWER: […]

QUESTION: What is the state of art and the development of diesel engines for GA? Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft than a conventional one? Alex Rougier Turin, Italy ANSWER: In the last issue, we started our discussion of this topic (Why is it better to put a […]

QUESTION: What is the state of art and the development of diesel engines for GA? Why is it better to put a diesel engine on a GA aircraft than a conventional one? Alex Rougier Turin, Italy ANSWER: This is a frequently asked question, always popping up at the big shows, like Arlington and Oshkosh. I […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]