Q: I’d like to offer my response to a hot engine start (What is the procedure for a hot engine start?). If I know I’m going to have a quick turnaround after engine shutdown, this is what I do: I... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Why are Piper and Cessna mag checks different?
Posted on February 1st, 2010 by Paul McBride
Q: During a checkout in a Piper Cherokee, (I had only Cessna experience), I asked the CFI why Piper has me check the mags at 2,000 rpm and Cessna at 1,700 rpm on what is, essentially, the same engine? My... Continue Reading →
Will my engine benefit from new technology?
Posted on December 28th, 2009 by Paul McBride
Q: The O233 LSA engine uses the new E-mag electronic ignition that they say advances the timing to 38° BTDC, much like other systems. Does this much spark advance also have Lycoming’s blessing for the O320 and O360? I realize... Continue Reading →
What is the procedure for a hot engine start?
Posted on November 11th, 2009 by Paul McBride
Q: I have a Grumman Yankee Model AA-1 with a Lycoming O-235L 108-hp engine. What is the procedure for a “hot engine” start? When I shut down the engine, I run it lean at 1,800 rpm for about 10 seconds... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Narrow deck cylinders, the Twin Comanche and a Lycoming milestone
Posted on October 20th, 2009 by Paul McBride
Geez, it’s really beginning to look like I’m losing it when it comes to misstating things in my columns. The most recent concerned the “Wide Deck” vs “Narrow Deck” cylinder column in my last column. I thought I’d explained the... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Wide deck vs. narrow deck engines
Posted on October 7th, 2009 by Paul McBride
I recently received a question from a friend of a friend in Texas regarding the difference between a “Narrow Deck” and a “Wide Deck” Lycoming engine. This has been confusing to many, so let’s see if I can shed some... Continue Reading →
Which cylinder is where?
Posted on September 10th, 2009 by Paul McBride
Q: Over the last three years of annuals I have had three different mechanics. The mechanic does the compression check, calls out the cylinder number and I record the values. It appears to me that the mechanics might be confusing... Continue Reading →
Tips to reduce spark plug fouling
Posted on September 2nd, 2009 by Paul McBride
Q: In my pilot club meeting last month, a pilot complained of spark plug fouling before takeoff in our Grumman Cheetah with 150-hp Lycoming. I suggested that after starting the engine, and before taxiing, she lean the mixture, keep it... Continue Reading →
A ploy to sell more engines?
Posted on August 28th, 2009 by Paul McBride
Q: While TBO is recommended as 2,000 hours or 12 years, whichever comes first, the brokers trying to sell me a used plane always belittle that second limitation, chalking it up to Lycoming wanting to sell more rebuilds. Can you... Continue Reading →
Ask Paul: Tips to help you save money
Posted on January 27th, 2009 by Paul McBride
The bad news: There really isn’t much you can do to run an engine much more frugally than you do during the normal course of operation. The good news: There are a few things you can do to keep operating... Continue Reading →
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