Ask Paul

QUESTION: After an engine overhaul, it is recommended that the engine be run at high power settings for 50 hours during the break-in period and oil consumption, etc., is to be monitored. My question: Is there any advantage or requirement to putting these hours on as fast as possible or can this be spread out […]

QUESTION: I have one of the very early O-320s with no suffix. Can you enlighten me as to what modern engine code I should use to buy parts for it? I went to the Lycoming website and it lists the A2A as the earliest generation, but I have heard that is not necessarily correct. Rick […]

QUESTION: I have a Rotax 912 and am concerned about lead buildup in the engine using 100LL. Will TCP reduce the problem? Hugh Cox Destin, Fla. ANSWER: I””ll step out of my box on this one because I think my answer will apply across the board regarding the use of TCP. Many operators over the […]

QUESTION: I have a 1975 Piper Warrior with a Lycoming 0-320 E3D. On the way to Oshkosh I lost oil pressure and made an emergency landing (aircraft and I are OK). At first I thought I had lost the front crankcase seal due to the huge amount of oil on the cowling. We took the […]

QUESTION: I have a vibration problem with my IO-540-C4B5. I had a computer analysis done and it seems to be the engine instead of the prop. The test showed to add 96 grams at the 72° position and this seemed way out of tolerance. What can cause vibration instead of the prop being out of […]

QUESTION: I have a 1968 Mooney-F with an IO-360-A1A. The oil cooler was relocated to the J model position with an STC and the cowl openings have been changed to the J-model size. I have sustained oil temperatures of 206°-210° when leaned to 100° rich of peak and will reach 215°-220° if leaned to 75° […]

QUESTION: I have a chance to buy an engine on eBay that is a good deal for me. I have a Cessna 152 with a Lycoming O-235-L2C and am looking for a replacement. Problem is, the eBay engine was overhauled in Canada for installation in a Canadian experiment aircraft. It’s zero time since a major […]

QUESTION: I’m thinking of purchasing a C150 with an 0-320 engine, serial number 4800-027. It may be a D2J. Do you have any knowledge of the history of this engine and its serviceability? Or, could you direct me to another source of information? Arthur Dodd Jacksonville, Fla. ANSWER: From the engine serial number you provided, […]

QUESTION: I just read your article on the history of the 0-320-H2AD engine (What engines should I avoid, Dec. 24, 2004, issue). I have had three Skyhawks with the later engine (two 1977s and one 1979) and have had no problems with TBO — all went well past 2,000 hours. My question is about power. […]