"Don't do that!"
Digest
This episode of Ask The Amps dives into a variety of maintenance topics. The first case involves a client who experienced a rough running engine and high CHT on cylinder number two, leading to the discovery of a leaking turbocharger and cracks in other cylinders. The episode then shifts to a discussion about the mechanic shortage in general aviation, exploring the reasons behind it and potential solutions, including increased shop rates and owner preventive maintenance. The hosts also delve into the question of whether oil filters need to be safety wired, particularly in the context of helicopters, where the practice is not always followed. The episode concludes with a segment on cleaning aircraft, featuring listener recommendations for various cleaning products and techniques.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the hosts of the podcast, Mike Busch, Paul Neu, and Colleen Sterling, and welcomes listeners to Ask The Amps from AOPA.
Client's Engine Issues
This Chapter discusses a client's experience with a rough running engine and high CHT on cylinder number two. The investigation revealed a leaking turbocharger and cracks in other cylinders, leading to a complex repair situation.
Listener Question: Oil Temperature Sensor
This Chapter addresses a listener's concern about an oil temperature sensor on his engine monitor. The hosts discuss the appropriate oil temperature range for an O200 engine and the importance of ensuring the engine monitor settings match the original gauge.
Listener Question: Annual Inspections
This Chapter explores a listener's question about the rationale behind annual inspections for general aviation aircraft. The hosts discuss the lack of empirical evidence for the one-year interval and the challenges of changing FAA regulations.
Listener Question: Engine Starting Issues
This Chapter delves into a listener's problem with a 172S engine that is difficult to start and prone to flooding. The hosts analyze the symptoms and suggest potential causes, including an over-primed engine and a leaking flow divider.
Listener Advice: Becoming a Mechanic
This Chapter features a listener's advice on becoming a mechanic, suggesting obtaining a light sport repairman certificate and gaining experience working on light sport aircraft before pursuing an A&P license.
Listener Recommendations: Aircraft Cleaning
This Chapter shares listener recommendations for various aircraft cleaning products and techniques, including waterless cleaning methods, specific products for different areas of the aircraft, and tips for removing exhaust stains.
Listener Question: Safety Wiring Oil Filters
This Chapter addresses a listener's question about the need to safety wire oil filters, particularly in the context of helicopters. The hosts discuss the importance of safety wiring oil filters and the potential risks of not doing so.
Keywords
Ask The Amps
A podcast from AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) that tackles tough maintenance questions from listeners.
AOPA
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, a non-profit organization that advocates for general aviation and provides resources for pilots and aircraft owners.
CHT
Cylinder Head Temperature, a measure of the temperature of the cylinder head in an aircraft engine. High CHT can indicate problems such as detonation or overheating.
Turbocharger
A device that uses exhaust gases to compress incoming air, increasing engine power and efficiency. Turbochargers are commonly used in aircraft engines, especially those with high-altitude performance requirements.
Detonation
An uncontrolled explosion of the air-fuel mixture in an engine cylinder, caused by excessive heat or pressure. Detonation can damage engine components and reduce performance.
Mechanic Shortage
A significant shortage of qualified aircraft mechanics in general aviation, leading to long wait times for maintenance and repairs.
Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance tasks performed on an aircraft to prevent potential problems and ensure continued airworthiness. Preventive maintenance can include tasks such as oil changes, inspections, and cleaning.
Annual Inspection
A comprehensive inspection of an aircraft that is required by the FAA to be performed annually. Annual inspections cover all aspects of the aircraft, including airframe, engine, and systems.
Safety Wire
A thin wire used to secure nuts, bolts, and other fasteners on aircraft to prevent them from loosening in flight. Safety wiring is a critical safety measure in aviation.
Oil Filter
A device that removes contaminants from engine oil, protecting the engine from wear and tear. Oil filters are essential for maintaining engine health and performance.
Q&A
What are some of the common causes of a rough running engine and high CHT in an aircraft?
Common causes include a leaking turbocharger, detonation, overheating, and problems with the fuel system or ignition system.
What are some of the challenges facing general aviation mechanics?
Challenges include a shortage of qualified mechanics, low wages compared to other industries, and long wait times for maintenance and repairs.
What are some potential solutions to the mechanic shortage in general aviation?
Potential solutions include increasing mechanic wages, offering better benefits, and encouraging more people to pursue careers in general aviation.
Why is it important to safety wire oil filters?
Safety wiring oil filters prevents them from loosening in flight, which could lead to a loss of oil pressure and engine failure.
What are some common aircraft cleaning products and techniques?
Common products include Plexus for windshields, aircraft spray wash and wax, Simple Green for interior and exterior cleaning, and mineral spirits for greasy areas. Waterless cleaning methods are also popular.
What are some tips for removing exhaust stains from an aircraft?
Use a dedicated carbon remover product, such as X-it Carbon Remover, and apply it to the affected areas. Gently scrub the stains and then rinse with distilled water.
What are some common reasons why an aircraft engine might be difficult to start?
Common reasons include flooding, ignition problems, fuel system issues, and problems with the starter motor.
What are some things to check if an aircraft engine is flooding?
Check the priming procedure, ensure the fuel servo is functioning correctly, and inspect the flow divider for leaks.
What are some common ignition problems that can affect engine starting?
Ignition problems include faulty spark plugs, worn or damaged magneto, and issues with the ignition harness or P leads.
What are some things to consider when deciding whether to safety wire a particular component?
Consider the potential consequences of the component loosening in flight, the ease of access for inspection, and the frequency of use or vibration.
Show Notes
This episode Mike, Paul, and Colleen tell a flight school owner not to throw away a perfectly good engine. Plus, the origins of the annual inspection, safety wire, and poor engine monitor guidance. Email podcasts@aopa.org for a chance to get on the show.
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Full notes below:
Mike has a Cessna 150 with a bunch of advanced avionics, including a Garmin GI275 as primary engine instrumentation. The oil temperature setting frustrates him because it’s flashing cautionary at 200 degrees and warning at 210 degrees. The POH says the max is 240 degrees. Paul said the engine monitor should match the original gauge, so if there wasn’t a cautionary range on the original there shouldn’t be one on the electronic instrument.
David is challenging the maintenance norms. He’s wondering how the FAA originally came up with the idea and time frame of the annual inspection. Mike thinks it’s arbitrary because some things should go less than a year, and some can go much longer. Firewall forward and wheels and brakes should probably be less than a year, but things like cable tensions could go less. The phased inspections that turbines go through is more logical, he thinks.
The airplane in Albert’s flight school is difficult to start, and his mechanics can’t figure out why. They’ve looked at spark plugs, adjusted the fuel, fuel servo, magnetos, and more. They recommended replacing the engine next. Don’t do that, the hosts say. Mike asks for the starting procedure. In Albert’s write up he mentioned having to wait some time prior to trying to start again. Mike said the only way that would happen is if the engine is continuously flooded during starts. Paul said if there’s leakage in the flow divider, the engine can become overprimed because its as if it is being continually primed. Colleen said it’s not a bad idea to check the ignition harness and other electrical components. And Paul said to also look at the P-leads.
Slavic is learning to fly helicopters and he was surprised to find that none of the oil filters were safety wired, and he wants to know if it’s safe. The hosts are shocked. However, a safety bulletin from Robinson says that it’s not required.
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