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Note: The “Safety Wire Like A Pro!” video training course is available for one more day at 20% off (use code “canard” for discount coupon.) Read about the training here:
https://airplane-owner-maintenance.teachable.com/p/safetywiring
Three stories for today:
Story #1:
A Lycoming exhaust stud pulled out.
It was disappointing, but turned out to be an inspiring learning experience.
A helicoil had previously been installed, which pulled out, and left a hole too big to install another helicoil (thread repair). Listen and find out how we solved the problem with a “Keensert” thread repair:
It worked fantastically!
Story #2:
Bad spark Plug.
We also talked in this episode about a bad spark plug and how we determined which one was bad, using the engine monitor system in a Cirrus SR22.
The EGT for cylinder #2 was higher than all the others because only one spark plug was firing in that cylinder which caused the exhaust gases to be hotter when they crossed the EGT probe.
It turned out the spark plug ceramic was cracked and the plug was not working at all: (I verified it using the spark plug tester.) There’s actually another crack on the other side of the ceramic as well.
With some basic training, an engine monitor can be an excellent troubleshooting tool.
Story #3:
Rough engine in an Ercoupe.
After some troubleshooting, it was discovered that cylinder #2 had no compression due to a stuck exhaust valve.
Other resources mentioned in this episode:
https://airplane-owner-maintenance.teachable.com/p/safetywiring
(Use code “canard” for 20% off on the safety wiring training course until midnight May 31, 2020.)
(Be sure to sign up for the free pilot “Tip of the week.”)
To drive those locking pins in on the keensert did you use a special tool or will just a pinch work? I ordered 5/16×18 keensert, the tap and drill bit. But looks like the installation tool keensert sells is not going to work with the cylinder fins being so close, thanks!
Yes sir, a small punch and some light taps with a small hammer should drive the locking pins in just fine. Let me know how it turns out. Also, here’s a short simple video I found to be really helpful as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCTh23Z6o0