Light Aircraft Association

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

Check the debris with a magnet, camshaft bits stick, piston's and bearing's don't. If the bits are small they may be left over from build swarf, change oil and filter and try again. cut it open and spread the paper out to see what you get, How many hours has it done?
graham

Hi Graham,

Thank you for the reply. The metal is magnetic which points to camshaft. Engine has done 1350 hours, 350 since top overhaul including new camshaft. The seller isn't interested in running it on new oil and filter for 10 hours before another cut. Walk away?

Run !!

Or negotiate a lower price that takes in the possibilty of having to invest in significant engine repairs.

And do you really want a nose heavy RV7 with that engine ?

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.

Thanks guys, I had a feeling it might be a polite 'thank you' and run like the wind....Anyone got a 7 they want to sell me?!

Regards,

Mona

The £9k is the cost of getting the engine sorted professionally. If you find an inspector with the right approvals you can rebuild it yourself / with help from your friends etc. This could cut the cost significantly and give you an engine which is a known quantity.

Rod1