Q: Regarding Narrow Deck and Wide Deck Lycoming engines, what would be the differences between a Narrow Deck O360 and IO360 heads, sump, and fuel pump? The cylinders appear the same. BOB STOUGHTON, via email A: The Narrow Deck vs Wide Deck question regarding Lycoming engines seems to surface from time to time. There is no […]
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Ask Paul: The bearer of bad news
Q: I’ve been plagued with engine trouble on my Cherokee 140 for nearly three months now (O-320E2A). It began missing briefly every five seconds or so in-flight. After landing, we pulled the plugs and cleaned them. But it did no good, she still wasn’t happy. The magnetos were over their rebuild time, so we replaced […]
Ask Paul: What spark plug is best for my airplane?
Q: Can the Champion 37BY plug (either REM or RHM) be used on a Lycoming O-360 A1A engine? My concern is that the piston may hit the plug tip. Is this a valid concern? DAVID M. GITELMAN, via email A: David, thanks for your question. I’m certain others have had the same question regarding the […]
Ask Paul: The oil filter debate continues
In the July 5 print issue of General Aviation News, reader Dennis Reiley offered his thoughts in Letters to the Editor about my column, “Does my engine need an oil filter?” Here’s a bit of what he had to say: “I have to disagree with Paul. Every internal combustion engine needs an oil filter — even those […]
Ask Paul: Tips to troubleshoot high oil temps
I suggest you check the actual oil temperature in the engine oil sump using a laboratory type, glass bulb thermometer.
Ask Paul: Does my engine need an oil filter?
Q: I just purchased a 1978 Citabria 7ECA with a Lycoming O-235-C1. Just had my first oil change done — it has no oil filter! Just one, maybe two, screens. Are these screens just as effective if I change my oil every 25 hours? Should I add an oil filter? Is that even possible? I run Phillips X/C […]
Ask Paul: How should I handle chromed cylinder removal?
Q: When an engine with chromed cylinders comes into a shop with oil leaks and the source has been identified as thru bolts and cylinder base o-rings, how should the cylinder removal and reinstallation be handled? Also, is there any wisdom in turning the oil scraper ring upside down in chromed cylinder to help control oil […]
Ask Paul: What is causing mag drop?
Q: I work on a IO-360-MIA Lycoming engine. My problem is that the right mag has a drop of 220 rpm. I have done internal timings, engine to mag timings, ignition leads check and cleaned the plugs. I have done nothing to the left mag, and now the left mag is dropping to 210 rpm. […]
Is there an STC for a primer system for my engine?
Q: I have been looking for a possible STC to install a primer system on a O-320-A2D. Would you know of one? JERRY BARNHILL, Longville, La. A: Jerry, after checking a few things out, I discovered that almost all of the O-320 series engines were delivered from Lycoming with a factory installed primer system. However, the […]