General Aviation News engine expert Paul McBride tackles a reader’s question about converting a Lycoming O-540-B from 235 horsepower to 250 horsepower.
Engines
Why Are My Oil Temperatures So Low?
A reader reaches out to our engines expert about very low oil temperatures in his Van’s RV-8.
From Sewing Machines to Sky Ships: The Lycoming-Zeppelin Connection
Our engines expert tells the tale of how a rumor led to Lycoming powering the famous Goodyear Airships.
Moving Into the Future with 1930s Engine Technology
Are we stuck with ashless oils and poor performance forever in aviation piston engines or is there a way out?
Picture of the Day: As Seen From Below
Will Vergonet submitted this photo and note: “As seen from below: A Continental W670-6N engine during its installation on to a 1933 Waco.”
Ask Paul: What could cause this to happen?
If you look closely at the photo, you’ll notice that the exhaust valve pushrod shroud tube on the right is bent severely and has fractured the pushrod shroud tube. The intake pushrod shroud tube is also bent, but you’ll also notice that this has caused much more serious damage because it has cracked the tappet boss on the crankcase, which means the crankcase will either need serious repair work completed at an FAA-approved facility or a complete replacement.
Ask Paul: A picture tells the story
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News Lycoming engines expert: I have a 1960 Piper Comanche. Can you identify the casting number on top of the engine?
Ask Paul: Is this engine a ticking time bomb?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: Checking with you about CHTs on Cylinders 5 and 6 reaching 445° on climb and cooling to about 400° after power reduction in cruise. This is in our PA-24 260B.
Ask Paul: What can I do about my engine’s rough idle?
Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: We have a Lycoming IO-360 A1A fuel-injected four-cylinder engine on a 1966 Mooney M20E that has a slightly rough idle. The engine only has about 400 hours on it.