PA-32
The Upgrade
2010/03/28 18:05
After the engine decided to voice it’s opinion that it needed another cylinder to be replaced, it was time to review my options.
I could replace the latest cylinder, which would then account for 4 out of the 6 cylinders being replaced. However, what would happen next? A trend seems to be forming.
I could replace the remaining 3 cylinders – in essence undertaking (another) top overhaul. Since I did a top-overhaul in late 2004, would this be worth it – trying to milk the engine for more use?
or
I could bite the bullet, and overhaul the engine.
I decided on the last option – time to overhaul the engine!
Well – since the propeller has to have its hub flushed, and possibly overhauled – humm, what about a 3-blader?
So – here goes:
- Engine Overhaul
- Propeller
- Interior….
#5 - it no bang-bang
2009/09/23 18:08
The fun of the Six’s engine started shortly after returning from Oshkosh.
#5 cylinder was not getting producing a good compression test result. After removing the cylinder and sending it out for some work, it was returned overhauled. This was back in September of 2009. The initial flight after the installation of the cylinder was interesting. The run up tests were fine, all six cylinders were behaving normally according to the JPI EDM-700 engine monitor. So, off down the runway, got to take off speed, rotate, and I started to climb. Then #2 cylinder stopped firing (the EDM-700 showed it going cold) and the engine ran rough. Too late to land back on the runway, and the plane was climbing, so a downwind turn was made, and got ready to land back at the airport. Then #2 came alive, and the engine ran smooth.
For some confidence, I continued to fly the plane around the airport for the next 45 minutes – and during the whole time, all six cylinders were firing fine – all looked normal.
Then in early 2010, after chasing an oil leak and trying to determine why cylinder #2 was running rough at low RPM, I gave the keys and a credit card to the local FBO.
The problem was found – #2 and #3 needed to be replaced as well. Michael, the mechanic, did clearly state that swapping out these two cylinders are a gamble, and that there may be additional problems and that I should consider a new overhauled engine.
After coming up with a plan to change the oil at 25 hour intervals, and use an oil analysis service, the two additional cylinders were swapped.
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