If this sounds bitter it is. I have been without my L4P for more than 2 months with the engine out because of Lifter failure. There is lots of information I can't share here but the good news is that TCM recently agreed to cover the cost of all the Parts, leaving me with the Labor.

In a nut shell, it looks like we can save the Case, Crank, gears, Mags, Prop, Cylinders (however new valves/guides), rocker arms (however new bearings). In general it will get new everything that sees oil.

 

What did I learn? The Lifter failure is not an issue of Hi CHT's, Hi Power, LOP, Detonation or Pre Ignition, or Operator. So the only thing I can do is Not break it in on Mineral Oil this time, but I intend to us 100 Plus from the start and not use 15w-50 in this engine TSIO-550E. Other than that there isn't anything I can do different.

 

Summary; Engine Hours

New TCM TSIO-550EB1 Feb. 2000.

110 hrs replaced Alternator, broken flange.

170 hrs replaced right Mag, eaten up moisture.

210 hrs replaced Alternator, broken flange.

215 hrs, replaced all Cylinders complete, 3 three low compression, all exhaust valve and guides beyond limits.

298 hrs, clean moisture from right mag. OK.

300 hrs. Chips in filter, Major Overhaul.

 

When will it be done? is still unknown? The folks I'm using can't tell me when? I have asked them to run the New set up, with Turbos in there test cell before installation so this may take another month.

 

I would attach a sad picture of N6XE without the engine and filthy dirty but that is depressing. Better is to have you all look at the latest August OSH issue of Sport Aviation inside the front cover for my "airSuperiority" airplane in the Lancair ad. To me it still looks SEXY there.

I would also like to thank our own Don Barns for doing the Ads for Lancair and most of the Brochures these last months. He had my airplane photographed and did a superb job at showing off all our airplanes. I understand this will be the last ad from Don for Lancair. Thank you so much Don. You make me proud!!

L4P Glider