Teardown Needed?

When metal is found in the oil filter or cam distress is noted after cylinder removal or a foreign object is dropped into an engine, many A&Ps immediately conclude that an engine teardown, overhaul or replacement is necessary. More often than not, it isn't. In this webinar, Mike Busch A&P/IA tells the story of three such aircraft engines (two Lycomings and a Continental) that were rescued from euthanasia under his guidance. Savvy Aviation offers Professional Maintenance Services to owners of General Aviation aircraft, such as: SavvyMx (Professional Maintenance Management), SavvyQA (Expert Consulting), SavvyPrebuy, SavvyAnalysis (Engine Data Analysis) and Breakdown Assistance. Savvy also publishes a monthly newsletter with lots of interesting information for the general aviation enthusiast; subscribe to it at www.savvyaviation.com or text the word "Savvy" to 33777. This webinar was hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

[@toothlessthea150m9]

For anyone wondering about current overhaul/new engine costs, a factory new O-200A from air power inc is about $43,000 a factory remanufactured is around $41,000 with 6-8 months of lead time.

[@kyle19791234]

Playback at 1.5x and enjoy your extra 45 minutes

[@CCC54E]

I have received oil and filter analyses with metal reports. Where does one find information with which to match the metal to a part? For example, in this webinar, Mike concluded that the metal was almost certainly from the cam. I would like to match metal reports with engine parts just like Mike did. Thanks for your help.

[@WhallonJesse]

I'm going to school for my A&P right now but I worked in aviation for 10 years prior. Given the world of liability we work in I can easily see the family and the lawyers suing the shop because they DIDN'T do a tear down.

[@FlyingNDriving]

1:07:15

[@Cavalier-lp8tr]

On a Lycoming 0 320, is it possible to view cam lobes by removing the oil sump or by using a borescope via the drain plug?

[@joem5639]

I’m considering a purchase of a very nice airplane with an O-320. It was last overhauled in 1985 and is 400 hr SMOH. The airplane sat unused for 11 years and it was recommended by the shop that will do the pre buy that a cylinder come off to inspect the cam. Sure enough most of the cam lobs had severe pitting on them. The owner is an A&P for an engine builder and says he wants the replace the cam, lifters, seals & gaskets himself. So technically this will be a repair rather than an overhaul. Is this OK or is an overhaul due at this point? I really like the airplane.

[@bryanaveri6816]

If I am replacing the pistons and cylinders at 1500 hours and oil analysis information tells me nothing is wrong with the Rod Bearings, shouldn't I just change the Rod bearings anyway because I have easy access to the bearings? ... I never hear of mechanics changing these bearings. The Rod bearings take the most severe service, why don't we change them when changing pistons and cylinders.

[@Trump985]

If those ball bearings were in the accessory case it seem possible that the next time the aircraft was inverted or in a negative G condition they could end up in the gears! I’ve seen a small bolt end up in the gear train of an engine it locked it up and literally split the crankcase. Can you imagine what would happen if the balls locked up the engine when it was inverted flying at very low altitude, think canyon flying.

[@Erik-rp1hi]

My engine a TSIO 550 Cont. had a taxi way excursion and all four blades on the MT prop (wood prop) hit the ground. Two were sheared off at the hub. I was going to tear down the engine but it was at taxing throttle position. Should I tear it down or just do an indicator run out check of the prop flange?

[@gregellis3859]

The oil screen on a Lycoming in a Mooney is not in a particular convenient or easy to get to place as suggested in the video. I agree with Mr. Busch that the oil screen would stop the ball bearings but it is not a convenient thing to check on a Mooney. It is located at the back of the sump down low with just barely enough room to slide it out between the oil sump and the firewall. If you ever want to learn new swear words, just hang around a mechanic trying to re-install the screen and get it properly safety wired. Not an easy task....necessary yes but not easy.

[@skydoc6578]

Awesome. 1st comment!

[@v35james78]

Tell me I'm wrong, but this is already at 1.25 times playback speed.

[@andremarais2706]

I think you have great experience and wisdom,. Sadly, aside from your irritating stop start way of speaking that is very hard to listen to, you live in the Lycoming/Continental world of the 60's and 70's.See Rotax Jabiru UL Yamaha Honda Catch a wake up Gramps.