Engine Life

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:27 pm

I am compiling some information for a presentation at an LAA meeting being held in a couple of weeks which may determine the future of running "On Condition"
If anyone has any examples of engines that have exceeded their TBO and are operating successfully (or not) I would like to hear from you. Any info you are willing to provide would be useful, but I will need engine type, model, original TBO limits, total hours to date & age of engine.

Can be any type of engine - Jabiru, Rotax, Lycoming, Continential, HKS, UL Power etc etc.

If you want to why not post the info below for all to see.

Engine type
Manufacturers TBO, Hrs/Years
Aircraft type
Fuel type used
Long periods of storage? (specify)

Nigel Ramsay · Post by **Nigel Ramsay** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:02 pm

Conrad
Here you are to start you off!

Engine type - A65
Manufacturers TBO, Hrs/Years - No idea! 1946 engine! Strip down at 5000hrs plus, all dimensions within tolerances - fitted new shells, rings and oil pump gears, de-coke and re-grind valves. That was in 2001. Now with around 500 hrs since then with long 'rests'. No problems, oil consumption normal for type.

Aircraft type 1946 Taylorcraft BC12-D

Fuel type used - Mogas

Long periods of storage? (specify) Not used for several months last year (hangared) but started first swing with mags on!

I think you will find many stories like this with A65 or similar.

Steve Brown · Post by **Steve Brown** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:59 pm

Engine type Lycoming IO-540D4A5
Manufacturers TBO, Hrs/Years \TBO 2000hrs : Total Hrs at rebuild 3300hrs after over 40 years in aircraft.
Aircraft type 1966 PA24-260B Single Piper Comanche Private Cat CofA
Fuel type used Avgas
Long periods of storage? (specify) several periods of more than 6 months

Engine type Continental O-200A
Manufacturers TBO, Hrs/Years TBO 1800 hrs Total Hrs at rebuild 1932hrs - all main components inc crankshaft within manufacturer's new or service limits
Aircraft type Cessna 150 / VariEze
Fuel type used Avgas
Long periods of storage? (specify) several over 6 months plus one period of over 6 years

More details if required
Regards
Steve

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:10 am

Nigel/Steve
That info is great cheers, just what I need to support the case for allowing enines to run "On Condition"

Bill Scott · Post by **Bill Scott** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:29 am

Rotax 503 DCDI
300hrs specified for crank life ?
RANS S6 (1996)
MOGAS/2T Premix 50:1
Just had 2 months enforced winter break, similar last year.

Engine stripped and rebuilt with recon crank replacing original at 784hrs
43 trouble free hours since rebuild
Super little engine

gasax · Post by **gasax** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:11 pm

Continental C-90 14F, rebuilt 1970, build year unknown but presumably pre-1960, total hours when stripped in 2000 - 2450hrs since 1970 rebuild. Stripped at 2000 due to low compressions - crank ok, new bearings fitted - originals outside manufacturers tolerances. New clyinders and pistons fitted. Continental TBO is 1800 hrs.

Nigel Hitchman · Post by **Nigel Hitchman** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 9:01 pm

Conrad,

I think CSE at Oxford did some tests on this years ago and ran engines way over the overhaul time on their training fleet, wasnt there also tests done by the BGA with their glider tugs. I think Dick Stratton was involed with both of these, sadly no longer with us. Some members will probably know about these programs.
There are also lots of engines of LAA aircraft currently running on condtion well beyond overhaul limits. I remember 0 or so years ago, people were buying "lifed" engines or airraft with "lifed" engines from places like Belgium where there were mandatory overhauls at TBO and continuing to run these engines on condtion for years.

Mick Bevan · Post by **Mick Bevan** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 10:36 am

Hi there,
I have read accounts of Lycomings/Contis being used in fish-spotting aircraft in the USA being run out to about 4000 hours and then junked, provided they maintained good compressions and oil consumption. I know of some small Contis reaching the 2500 hour mark without serious trouble. As for Rotax 582s, I have heard anecdotal evidence of them comfortably exceeding the 300 hour limit on the crankshaft, to around 750 hours.
regards
Mick

MarkN · Post by **MarkN** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 3:53 pm

Engine type: 2x Lycoming IO320C1A 1967
Manufacturers TBO, Hrs/Years 1800hrs. Now at 1700hrs and 44 years old without being touched
Aircraft type Twin Comanche
Fuel type used Avgas
Long periods of storage? Generally low use over 44 years, but regular.
Compressions still good, run well, but starting to use a little more oil - 1ltr every 5-6 hrs.
Off to be rebuilt next month - It will be interesting to see what the strip-down shows, but from pilots point of view the engines are good. Oil filters have shown some carbon but very rarely any signs of metal over last 6-7 years of my ownership.

Conrad · Post by **Conrad** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:32 pm

Thanks to everyone who provided information.
I have a few cases of engines running beyond their TBO & if needed these can be used as examples during the seminar.

Im not going to have any time to collate any more before the seminar mid next week.