Q: My question seeks your advice about an overhaul on our Lycoming O-320-H2AD. As background, we have a 1980 C172N that’s been owned since new. It’s always been hangared, never been a flying club or training airplane, is not used... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: How do I know if this AD applies to my engine?
Posted on April 3rd, 2013 by Paul McBride
Q: I’ve heard there is an AD that prevents various Lycoming engines from being signed off as airworthy if the TBO is exceeded. I’ve also heard it doesn’t apply to engines manufactured prior to 1970. If the engine was original... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: What is causing sticking valve?
Posted on March 4th, 2013 by Paul McBride
Q: In 2004, I bought a Lycoming O-320 D1A, via Van’s, and started flying it in January 2005 in a RV-9A. I broke it in according to the instructions (75% or more until oil consumption stabilized). In spite of having... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Why is my Beagle Pup such a pig to start?
Posted on February 5th, 2013 by Paul McBride
Q: I have a Beagle Pup 150 (the father of the Scottish Aviation Bull Dog) fitted with a Lycoming O-320 engine. When the weather is cold — in the UK this is anything less than 5° C — it has... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Why are my #3 cylinder CHTs so high?
Posted on January 8th, 2013 by Paul McBride
Q: Recently — 50 hours ago — I had a Lycoming O-360-A4A overhauled with new ECi Titan steel cylinders installed. The #3 cylinder has had high-ish CHTs from the beginning. Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: What are these aluminum specks?
Posted on December 10th, 2012 by Paul McBride
Q: I lost the left mag on my O-540. When I took it apart, I found four aluminum specks in the top oil screen. I pulled the rear housing off and found the aluminum gear still in the engine. I... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: What’s the best engine for my Pacer?
Posted on November 5th, 2012 by Paul McBride
Q: I plan to install an 0-360 with a constant speed prop in my Pacer, replacing my 0-320-A1A. I have a couple of engine choices under STCs, including the 0-360-C1A. I am looking for the lightest engine. Was this made... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: What to do about oil-fouled plugs?
Posted on November 4th, 2012 by Paul McBride
Q: My partner, Lou, and I just had our Piper PA 28 235 overhauled and are having problems with the lower plugs getting oil fouled. The plugs have been cleaned a couple of times but she runs rough and they... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: What’s going on with my spark plugs?
Posted on October 7th, 2012 by Paul McBride
Q: I have a 1962 Piper Cherokee 160 with the O-320-D2A engine. The engine had a complete overhaul in 1992 and only 500 SMOH. In addition, 20 hours ago the engine had an annual in which an oil change was... Continue Reading →
How to break-in your engine
Posted on September 5th, 2012 by Paul McBride
I recently received a letter asking about engine break-in following overhaul. This is a subject that should be of interest to everyone, even though you may never actually have the opportunity to break-in an engine during your flying years. Continue Reading →
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