Airplane Owner Maintenance

A Maintenance Oriented Podcast For Airplane Owners, Pilots, and Mechanics

Page 9 of 26

173 – What’s Happening With Cylinder #1 in my Mooney M20J?

April 9, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I got an email from Michael this past week. He owns a Mooney M20J, and something strange happened with cylinder #1’s EGT and CHT recently. Michael agreed to let me share the story, so that’s the main feature in this episode. The picture above is one Michael took with his borescope while looking for any obvious problems with the cylinder.

Before we get to that story, here are a few items I included in this episode:

  • How I microwaved a fork, and nothing bad happened 🙂
  • How I’ve been fighting the mice at Classic Aviation.
  • The great people this week who either stopped by the shop to say hi, or who sent me an email or voice message:
    • Mike, and his Cirrus SR22.
    • Steve and Janet, and their Twin Comanche.
    • Rudy and his Mooney M20J.
    • Michael and his Mooney M20J. (This is the featured story in this episode.)
  • A little follow up from the Piper Saratoga story I talked about in the last episode
  • … and here’s the little basil plant that has become more interesting than I ever thought it would:

Here are a couple more samples from the excellent photos Michael took of cylinder #1 with his borescope:

Finally, for those of you who love great books, especially books that use good aviation stories to teach life lessons, I have a good one to recommend.

John Ramstead has a new book coming out real soon called “On Purpose With Purpose.” From his days as an F-14 Tomcat pilot, to a near-fatal horse-riding accident, to his transition to a podcaster, speaker, and coach, John’s book is absolutely inspiring. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy, and I’ve been reading the digital version… it’s excellent!

Why don’t you join me in reading this book? Click here to buy your copy.

If you just want to learn more about the book, click here.

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172 – A Perplexing Low Cylinder Compression on a Piper Saratoga

March 26, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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12/80! That’s a terrible compression test result. And unlike some cylinders, this one did not show any obvious reasons for the low compression… take a look at the valves after the cylinder was removed:

Unless I’m missing something, I don’t see anything that would explain such a low compression number. The cylinder has been shipped to Tim Barnes at Skyline Cylinders for repair, so I’m hoping he will be able to give me more information about it. You can listen to the audio for more thoughts about this whole experience, and maybe I’ll give an update on it in a future episode.

I also mentioned in this episode my latest project in the shop at Classic Aviation – an annual inspection on a nice E33A Bonanza:

It’s a great airplane, with a great owner – now that’s a good combination!

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171 – Bad Gas in the Cockpit!

March 12, 2021 / / 3 Comments

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Can you see the problem with this exhaust muffler?

Maybe a closer look will help: (The cracked area was just inside the shroud that collects heat for the cabin.)

Thankfully Matt, the owner of a nice Cessna 170, had a carbon monoxide detector in his airplane that picked up the small amount of “bad gas in the cockpit.” Check out his panel:

I discovered Matt’s CO detector is available at Aircraft Spruce for $99. He’s been happy with this detector, and I would think it’s FAR BETTER than the little “spot detectors” that are often used in airplanes.

Here’s a link for the CO detector in the above photo:

Forensics carbon monoxide detector.

Cameron (one of the A&P’s at Classic Aviation) is fixing the exhaust issue, and Matt will be back in the air real soon!

For more information about exhaust system leaks, check out episode 035:

AirplaneOwnerMaintenance.com/035 “Airplane Exhaust Systems Tell Stories… Are You Listening?”

Also, Mike Busch wrote an excellent article years ago titled “Silent Killer”: If you think CO related accidents are rare, think again.

Click here to read Mike’s article.

On another note, I mentioned in this episode that I got to meet General Chuck Boyd yesterday as he was getting ready to depart SHD in his beautiful T34 airplane. It was such a pleasure to meet him, and I want to say “Thank you Sir, for your service in the Air Force!”

Check out this short YouTube video to learn a little about General Chuck Boyd, and to see his T34 airplane.

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170 – Eddie’s Jabiru Cylinder Compression: From 0/80 to 70/80!

March 5, 2021 / / 3 Comments

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I had a surprise call this morning… my friend Eddie called and wondered if he could borrow a borescope. One of the cylinders in his Sonex’s Jabiru engine had zero compression, and he wanted to take a look inside the cylinder, especially at the exhaust valve.

Since I’m always looking for a good story, it didn’t take me long to say, “This sounds interesting… I’ll grab my borescope and drive right over to the airport.”

We got the borescope set up and quickly noticed the exhaust valve appeared to be open a tiny bit when it should have been fully closed. There was just enough leakage past the valve to keep the compression at zero.

We’re still not totally sure about that area at about the 8 o’clock position, but we didn’t see anything alarming when we looked at the valve edge with it open.

Thankfully, Eddie had done some research online and quickly got some feedback about the importance of regularly adjusting the valves in the Jabiru engine.

Sure enough, the exhaust valve had no clearance between the valve stem and the rocker arm (it should be .010)

After adjusting both valves on that cylinder, Eddie did another compression test, and we were pleasantly surprised… 70/80! And it was even a cold compression test!

It’s always great when there’s a simple solution!

Well done Eddie! And thanks for the good story we can all learn from!

In this week’s episode, we also talk about Lycoming SI 1418, a rarely used procedure for cleaning cylinders on the engine using some special equipment and ground up walnut shells.

Listen to this concept and let me know your thoughts… hit that button over to the right and tell me if you think it’s a crazy idea, or a great idea… I’m curious about it.

Reminder: I offer a service to evaluate your borescope photos. If you are not sure what your pictures mean, send them to me and I’ll evaluate them and send you a report within two days.

Rates:

  • 4 cylinder engine: $50
  • 6 cylinder engine: $70
  • Twin engine: $100

Click here to make your payment.

Then email me your borescope photos, and I’ll send you a report.

dean{at}airplaneownermaintenance{dot}com

Thanks everyone, and have a great week!

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169 – Transformed Interiors with Autumn Elizabeth Design

February 19, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Our guest for today’s episode is Autumn Duntz, an aviation interior designer and refurbishment expert… welcome Autumn!

After observing some poor quality elements in a newly refurbished Beechcraft A36 Bonanza interior, I wondered how this type of thing could be avoided. After a little online research, I found Autumn’s website, AutumnElizabethDesign.com. I quickly realized she would be a great guest for the podcast.

I was curious about what airplane owners can do to avoid typical pitfalls and make the whole interior refurbishment process more fun and less stressful, while also achieving the desired results.

Autumn Duntz stands out in the industry, providing a refreshing and very personalized alternative to the big companies you might typically think of when it comes to airplane interiors.

Here are some samples of Autumn’s design work:

Although Autumn mostly works with larger airplanes and business jets, she has a wealth of wisdom to share with us that also applies to small airplanes.

In this episode, we covered topics from maintenance friendly designs, to regulations, to taking care of leather… and my favorite tip: “Provide maintenance covers for the seats and interior of your airplane when you take it to the shop!” I loved that tip.

If you need some help with designing YOUR airplane’s interior, I highly recommend having a conversation with Autumn to see if you’d like to work with her.

I’m confident if you choose to work with Autumn in designing an interior, or a paint scheme, you’ll experience the following results:

  • She will be easy to work with and make the process much less stressful.
  • There will be excellent communication throughout the process.
  • You’ll love the results, both of the work, and of working with her.

Here’s how you can learn more about Autumn’s services, and get in touch with her:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumn_elizabeth_design

Website: www.autumnelizabethdesign.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnduntz/

Thanks Autumn, for joining us for this episode!

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168 – Things I Found on an A36 Bonanza

February 12, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Does your airplane have emergency exit windows?

If so, would your passengers know how to operate them?

Here’s an emergency exit window where the instructions were hardly readable:

Thankfully, the lettering was etched into the panels, and a fine point Sharpie did the trick:

Imagine trying to remove that window if you were completely unfamiliar… these placards are important!

Find out in today’s episode why the placards were unreadable, and also hear about the other squawks that were discovered on an A36 Bonanza during annual inspection.

If you have a crazy story of something you discovered after a new interior was installed in your airplane, please let me know… I may do an episode in the future about airplane interiors, and things to be aware of.

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167 – Shop Towels in Wrong Places

February 6, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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In a previous episode, I shared the story about how I accidentally left a shop towel in an engine…

I got some great feedback from that episode, including the picture above… a flight student found a shop towel during preflight… in a place you would not expect.

It’s one more reminder to be extra-diligent during maintenance, and to have another person look over your work before installing the cowling.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the feedback I got from the story of the shop towel in the engine. (If you missed that story, you can find it in episode 165.)

There are some really good lessons to be learned… I want to say a big “thank you” to everyone who sent me feedback and helpful stories.

I’ve been receiving messages from airplane owners who are performing borescope inspections on their engine cylinders and exhaust valves… I always love to hear those stories, because I’m convinced borescoping can make flying safer by detecting failing exhaust valves before they come apart in flight.

Do you have pictures of your exhaust valves, but you’re not sure what they mean?

I can help with that, for sure.

I offer a service to evaluate borescope pictures for airplane owners.

It’s very easy to work with me, and here’s the process:

Go to this link, and make the appropriate payment:

https://paypal.me/airplaneownermaint?locale.x=en_US

Single engine 4 cylinder: $50

Single engine 6 cylinder: $70

Twin engine: $100

Send me an email with your borescope pictures (dean{at}airplaneownermaintenance{dot}com)

Within 48 hours, I’ll send you a report with evaluations of your borescope pictures to help you understand what the pictures are saying, and things to be aware of.

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166 – A Strong and Humble Blue Angels Pilot: Jim Cox

January 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) James Cox, a member of the Navy’s Blue Angels Team, is our guest today on the podcast! He exceeded my expectations in so many ways in our conversation, and I’m thrilled to share this interview with you. You’ll definitely want to listen to this one!

Although the Blue Angels do a lot of traveling, Jim is also a dedicated family man, and we talked about how he stays connected with his wife and kids while serving with the Blue Angels. Jim said, “Communication is key.” That’s a good word for all of us, in all kinds of life situations!

Throughout our conversation, Jim was quick to say, “This is not about me. This is about the team, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. As a team, we have the great privilege and responsibility to serve and inspire people and communities all over the country with a message of teamwork, professionalism, and excellence, in order to motivate individuals to reach their greatest potential in life.” (My paraphrase.)

Here’s the team:

In our conversation, Jim said so many things worth remembering, and here are a few noteworthy quotes:

  • “I always had an eye for the sky.”
  • “I’m proof that hard work alone can get you anywhere.”
  • “The flying is utterly amazing, but the community outreach portion of what we do is definitely the highlight.”
  • “I couldn’t be where I am today without my mom and dad.”
  • “The best thing you can absolutely do as a 16 year old in high school is to be the BEST 16 year old you can possibly be.”
  • “You start with the end in mind, but the PROCESS is so important!”
  • “The only way that we can fly the way we do is because of trust.”
  • “Everything we do is predicated on safety.  Safety is absolutely first and foremost number one in everything.”

You can learn more about the Blue Angels at the website: BlueAngels.Navy.Mil

Jim, I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity to speak with you. Thank you Sir, and your family, and the whole Blue Angels team, for representing our country so well. We appreciate you!

I hope to see you at one of the airshows in 2021!

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165 – A Shop Towel in the Engine! Don’t Do What I Did!

January 22, 2021 / / 2 Comments

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Hi Friends!

I have a story for you today that I wish I didn’t have. But it’s true, so we might as well learn from it. Thankfully, everything turned out well on this one.

At Moody Aviation where I went to school years ago, we had a concept called “SYE.” It stood for “Share Your Experience.”

It was a concept to encourage us to take our mistakes and make a learning opportunity from them.

Listen to today’s podcast for the story of how I accidentally left a red shop towel inside an airplane engine… I hope I never do that again! Definitely an opportunity to learn “what not to do!”

Ok… it’s time to ‘fess up 🙂 I know I’m not the only one out here who’s done a dumb thing or two in airplane maintenance… so, if you’re willing to share your story, leave me a message here on the website, or shoot me an email dean{at}airplaneownermaintenance{dot}com

I’ll assume it’s ok to share the stories, without names (unless you ask me to share your name.) Thanks!

Another item we discussed in this episode is a Cessna 172 that would not start. It turned out to be a problem with the left magneto, but in the process of troubleshooting, we discovered the spark plugs had gone far too long without being cleaned.

Take a look:

And here’s the loose distributor electrode inside the magneto:

Other items we discussed in this episode:

  • An oil leak on a Twin Cessna (you might have seen the email I sent out about this.)
  • The items we used to fix that oil leak: Aviation Permatex, Continental silk thread P/N 641543 (If you only need a small amount, check with Fresno Airparts… they sell it for 20 cents per foot) and the third item used was Loctite 515. These 3 components, used properly, make an excellent seal for the oil pump cover.
  • Some interesting electrical information about a Cirrus SR22 – here’s the YouTube video I mentioned with some excellent visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCeHxk-fJvE

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164 – Airplanes, Motorcycles, and Bob’s Grass Runway

December 18, 2020 / / 2 Comments

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Bob Shenk (right) is a huge fan of Luscombes… this beautifully restored aircraft was among the airplanes I got to see when I visited Bob’s place a week ago… what a pleasure that visit was!

Donnie Simmons (left) is a good friend of Bob’s, and often spends his Fridays at Bob’s place, both helping with Bob’s projects, as well as some of his own.

In addition to airplanes, Bob also likes motorcycles…

He owned a Honda dealership years ago, and has some pretty cool two-wheeled machines… and can you guess what that airplane in the background is?

That is an Acroduster… one more fascinating airplane!

Another Luscombe, and an Aeronca Champ:

Here’s the runway, as viewed from the approach end:

I’d been wanting to visit Bob’s place for awhile, and one reason was to show Bob my borescope, and how it works.

He liked it, and I think he might buy one.

We didn’t see anything startling in Bob’s engines.

Donnie’s Piper Cub engine, however, was a different story…

The cub was over in another building, so we took the borescope over there to take a look.

Donnie purchased the Piper Cub project after it was in a landing incident more than a year ago:

It startled both of us when we saw the terrible rust on the cylinder walls:

I hated to see what had happened to Donnie’s cylinders, but he took quick action after consulting an engine guy. He removed all four cylinders the next day, hoping they could be salvaged by honing them.

The visit to Bob’s place was fantastic! I came away with some thoughts. Here are two:

  • If you have a local aviation friend you’ve wanted to go visit, do it! It will probably make your day, and theirs as well!
  • If you have an inactive engine, find a way to preserve it.

Thanks Bob and Donnie, for showing me around… you are both a real inspiration!

Thanks to PilotWorkshops.com for sponsoring this episode.

To check out the book on Airplane Engines, click here.

Also, be sure to sign up for the “Tip of the Week.” It’s free and really practical.

Here’s a new service I’m offering:

Evaluation of borescope pictures:

4 cylinder engine: $50

6 cylinder engine: $70

Twin engine: $100

  • Click here to make a payment.
  • Send me an email with your borescope pictures attached. (dean{at}airplaneownermaintenance{dot}com.
  • Within two days, I’ll send you a typed document with evaluations of all the pictures.
  • If you have questions, shoot me an email!

God bless you my friends, and Merry Christmas to you all!

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