Given the engine times and now having #2 and #4 pistons and rings replaced and valves rebuilt, I’m leaning heavily toward performing the same maintenance on #1 and #3, with new pistons and rings, even though they aren’t suspected of any issue, but wanted to seek your wisdom on this first.
Ask Paul
Ask Paul: Is it a bad engine or bad maintenance?
A flying club’s maintenance officer wants to upgrade one of the club’s airplane engines, claiming the engine is known for having “lots of reliability issues.” Another member of the club turned to our expert to get his advice on what’s really going on with the engine.
Is our airplane’s EGT harmful to the exhaust valves?
Is an EGT in the 1510 range harmful to the exhaust valves in our 1978 Piper Lance II?
When is the best time to take an oil sample from my aircraft engine?
I usually take my oil analysis samples when the engine is cold. The logic is that all the oil has drained, and the volume removed should be a bit better. Should I be doing something differently?
What is causing that popping noise in my engine?
Question for Paul McBride, General Aviation News’ engines expert: I’ve noticed that if I reduce the throttle quickly I get a popping noise from the exhaust for a few seconds that then quits. A slow reduction in power to idle doesn’t cause it.
Why are the spark plugs on my Cessna 152’s engine filled with oil?
My suspicion of what’s causing the problem is that the piston rings are completely worn out.
A master class in how to winterize your airplane
There has always been controversy about how to best prepare general aviation aircraft engines for long-term storage, but from my viewpoint, you’ve covered all the bases and then some.
Should I buy this aircraft that has only 49 hours on it?
I’d suggest you approach buying any aircraft slowly, and ask lots of questions, such as total time, does it have a history of extended periods of activity, and review any and all maintenance records.
Ask Paul: The real concern about not changing your airplane’s oil
A lot of people believe the recommended oil change intervals is something the oil companies push in order to sell more oil. It’s obvious that they’ve never seen the inside of an engine that has had infrequent oil changes and the damage caused by corrosion.