Visser's Voice

Dennis Corsi recently sent a note, detailing his problem: “”We operate a 1980 Cessna 182 RG with a Lycoming O-540. Recently, the number one exhaust valve push rod bent. We have been adding Marvel Mystery Oil ever since, but I sense that we are not quite solving the problem.”” He went on to state that […]

Another Sun ‘n Fun is history. As always, I look forward to Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh each year for many reasons, such as seeing what’s new, catching up with old friends and meeting new aviation people. Another Sun ‘n Fun is history. As always, I look forward to Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh each […]

I received an interesting note from Patrick Puckett who is considering replacing the 100LL engine on his aircraft with a new aviation diesel engine. He had several questions concerning the performance of Jet A vs. #2 diesel fuel. I received an interesting note from Patrick Puckett who is considering replacing the 100LL engine on his […]

I received an interesting letter from Karl Sieg concerning my article on synthetic oil in the March 11 issue (Synthetic oil: Is it right for your plane?). Several years ago, Karl’s cousin had run synthetic oil in his 1946 T-craft and “”the engine ran so well he had to retune it.”” Karl then tried some […]

Phil Smith from Iowa wrote to ask about leaded vs. unleaded octane. He heard at a seminar that “”?when the octane is maintained, lead is NOT necessary in an aircraft engine.”” Phil Smith from Iowa wrote to ask about leaded vs. unleaded octane. He heard at a seminar that “”?when the octane is maintained, lead […]

One of the big questions in aviation is, “”What is synthetic oil and should I use it in my airplane?”” As always, my answer is a definite maybe. One of the big questions in aviation is, “”What is synthetic oil and should I use it in my airplane?”” As always, my answer is a definite […]

I’ve received several questions about the future availability of avgas. One reader noted that AOPA President Phil Boyer has warned that oil companies will stop producing avgas in five years or so. The reader went on to ask if he would be able to use auto gas in his aircraft or would he need to […]

That was the question from Bryan Gore, who flies a Citabria with an IO-320 engine equipped with an oil inverted system. It does not have an oil filter. That was the question from Bryan Gore, who flies a Citabria with an IO-320 engine equipped with an oil inverted system. It does not have an oil […]

I received an interesting letter from Kurt Wegge, who flies a VariEze with a TCM O-200 engine, and has experienced numerous incidents of exhaust valve sticking. He was wondering if Marvel Mystery Oil would help reduce this. Kurt also noted documents from the FAA (Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. NE 03-45, dated June 27, 2003) […]