Metal in oil filter
Moderators: John Dean, Moderator
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Metal in oil filter
Hello all,
I'm a newly signed up member of the LAA following my conversion from helis to fixed wing and the search for an RV7. I recently found what I was hoping to be the perfect aircraft, until last Tuesday when I had it inspected. The airframe is very well built and a credit to the builder. The engine, an IO360 A1B6 (Bulldog engine) is leaking a little oil (the through bolt I understand, an easy fix) but when we cut open the oil filter there was a small amount of ferrous metal. Not much, maybe 10-15 very small 'flakes'.
My industry colleagues, and also a few aviation engine specialists, said there is potentially a problem with the engine that requires further investigation. Potentially a camshaft lobe failure due to little use of the aircraft over the last couple of years. An expensive fix at £9K including prop and govenor flush/overhaul. The seller remains convinced the engine is fine. Could anyone here offer their opinion/advice as a result of owning/operating/maintaining a Lycoming?
Thanks,
Mona
I'm a newly signed up member of the LAA following my conversion from helis to fixed wing and the search for an RV7. I recently found what I was hoping to be the perfect aircraft, until last Tuesday when I had it inspected. The airframe is very well built and a credit to the builder. The engine, an IO360 A1B6 (Bulldog engine) is leaking a little oil (the through bolt I understand, an easy fix) but when we cut open the oil filter there was a small amount of ferrous metal. Not much, maybe 10-15 very small 'flakes'.
My industry colleagues, and also a few aviation engine specialists, said there is potentially a problem with the engine that requires further investigation. Potentially a camshaft lobe failure due to little use of the aircraft over the last couple of years. An expensive fix at £9K including prop and govenor flush/overhaul. The seller remains convinced the engine is fine. Could anyone here offer their opinion/advice as a result of owning/operating/maintaining a Lycoming?
Thanks,
Mona
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Given that an RV7 has pretty good performance the owner has probably not noticed any drop in performance.
However Lycomings are pretty notorious for eating camshafts particularly if they are not used very regularly.
If the owner does not want to help then thank him for his time and walk away. There are plenty of other aircraft out there, it will simply take some time to find another.
However Lycomings are pretty notorious for eating camshafts particularly if they are not used very regularly.
If the owner does not want to help then thank him for his time and walk away. There are plenty of other aircraft out there, it will simply take some time to find another.
Pete Morris
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