Ask Paul

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]