My 800 hour Since Major Over Haul (SMOH) Lycoming O-540-C4B5 engine won’t hold its RPMs. We’ve done several things to find the problem, but we’re still hunting.
Lycoming Engines
Ask Paul: Finding the correct oil cooler inlet on my airplane’s engine
“I do not understand the the oil routing to allow the thermostatic valve, located in the filter adapter, to control the oil flow to or from the oil cooler, from ports not located on or near the thermostatic by pass valve.”
Tips for storing an idle engine
What is the best way to store an engine — whether it’s just for the winter or a much longer time as you finish your restoration project or homebuilt airplane? Here are several tips, covering both Continental and Lycoming engines.
Five factors to consider before overhauling your engine
There are so many factors that must be taken into consideration when making a decision to overhaul an engine, and each engine must be addressed individually.
When ‘just buy a new engine’ isn’t the right answer
I’m frustrated at this juncture simply because many are defaulting to the “just buy a new engine” solution while myself and others realize that doing so without determining exactly what the root cause of this issue is seems foolish and professionally and technically timid.
Ask Paul: Help with timing
When setting the timing on an Lycoming AEIO-360-A1E engine, do I align the 25° line on the starter ring with the centerline of the engine case and do I align it with the top or bottom of the case?
Ask Paul: How old is this vintage engine?
This 1946 engine may very well be able to be overhauled and put back in service, providing you have the engine logbook.
Ask Paul: Should we replace the pistons or change oil?
I suspect that the blow-by is caused by glazed cylinder walls. This could possibly be a result of improper break-in, so let’s begin there.
Ask Paul: Are Lycoming O-320s available with roller cams?
The majority of the problems were caused by extended periods of inactivity, infrequent oil and filter changes, high RPM starts in cold climates without proper preheating, and more.