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:
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!”
The book, “Airplane Engines: A Pilot Friendly Manual” is a resource you’ll love. Click here for more info.
Also, don’t miss the very popular “Tip of the Week” by PilotWorkshops as well. This week’s tip was about flying through rain, and had some really useful tips both for VFR and IFR flying. Sign up for free at PilotWorkshops.com
Other topics in today’s podcast:
Exhaust leaks found by pressure testing and soapy water:
Find out why there was “pink bubble wrap” under the instrument panel! (I’ll be removing that!):
And… here’s the broken trim pulley from a Cherokee Six (this is the view from the front, looking aft through the access at the back of the cabin area)
I found this one by “feeling” it, not by “seeing” it. I reached my arm up inside the panel on the right side of the tail, and as I was verifying I could rotate these two pulleys, I discovered something did not feel right at all… and this is why!
I got some really good feedback from the email yesterday that featured this picture… thanks to all of you who responded! Be sure to listen for the story of one Boeing 747 captain, who shared something that happened years ago.
After a successful career in computers early in life, Carl Valeri decided years ago it was time to pursue his passion for aviation. Since that time, he’s been an airline pilot, flight instructor, aviation careers coach, mentor, Piper Cherokee pilot, and many other things.
Carl is well known as the host of two podcasts, the Aviation Careers Podcast, and the Stuck Mic AvCast. You can find him in both of those places:
In today’s episode, we talked about all kinds of fascinating things, including:
Carl’s background and how he got into aviation.
How he was hired years ago as an airline pilot, and furlowed the same year, in 2011.
How his struggle served to prepare him for what has become one of his greatest passions… “Helping people move forward with their aviation career.”
What the acronym “CAMEL” means to an airline pilot… I had never heard this before, and I thought it was really cool.
Carl’s current opportunity to lease and fly a Piper Cherokee… the 12th Cherokee to come off the line years ago.
The maintenance issues he’s encountered recently with the Cherokee.
And since this is the Airplane Owner Maintenance podcast, it’s only appropriate that we document this part with some pictures.
ISSUE #1: Smoke in the cockpit! Apparently somebody forgot to tighten an oil line!
The oil made a mess on the cowling. And upon closer examination, the source was identified – the rocker oil return line B-nut had come loose. When the oil dripped down on the hot exhaust, it produced smoke that made its way into the cockpit.
Solution and reminder: Always double check engine fluid lines and hoses, and apply torque putty to the B-nuts.
ISSUE #2: Fuel leak. Carl told us about a leak that showed up under the airplane on the left side. Listen to the episode to hear his advice about how to communicate with your A&P about issues like this.
It turned out the leak was from his “gascolator” or fuel strainer. Here are the parts from this ancient piece of technology… just like you might have seen on your grandpa’s tractor!
In this situation, Carl made the wise decision to upgrade to a “Steve’s Aircraft” gascolator, a much better design with increased reliability and ease of maintenance. Take a look:
ISSUE #3: Exhaust leak. Carl noticed some abnormal discoloration at the cowling seam.
It turned out there was a significant leak at one of the exhaust sleeve transitions in the engine compartment.
This situation is a little different than many Cherokees, since this particular engine was installed with an STC.
ISSUE #4: Electrical problem. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, Carl was able to recognize how the airplane had been showing some warning signs of this issue… be sure to listen to the audio to get the details.
What seemed like a complex problem in the beginning, turned out to be a blown fuse.
Sometimes the little things can make a big difference!
In spite of the maintenance challenges, Carl still loves to fly the Cherokee. I think one reason why is because he shares his love for aviation with others:
In telling about his aviation adventures in life, Carl is quick to acknowledge that, “I could never have done any of that without the help of others.” Now, he’s “paying it forward” in so many ways to help those who are coming behind him.
And finally, to finish up with a little humor: “Even an airline pilot who flies jets, recognizes there’s something missing in the following picture!
Carl, thank you very much for pushing all of us to keep moving forward and appropriately pursue our aviation dreams! We appreciate you, and I sure am glad flying still puts a smile on your face!
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