Guys,
 
Most of you know I'm involved in the engine overhaul business.  When
times are tough, many guys try to put off the inevitable overhaul on
their engine - thinking "it's running fine, so don't mess with it.  Just
a word of caution: we've had two engines in the last month come to us
with giant holes in the crankcase due to oil starvation.  The starvation
occurred only in certain critical portions of the engine (in other word,
the engine had plenty of oil, it just wasn't uniformly distributed).
 
The reason was probably a spun bearing or broken component causing an
internal obstruction.  Lesson to be learned - include your oil pressure
gauge in your scan (not just at startup, but constantly while you're
flying.  Electronic instruments are great, but if we rely only on
"warnings" to keep us out of trouble, we may miss the small deviations in
our numbers that could be "early signs of failure".  
 
Be aware, our Continentals are susceptible to "starter drive adapter"
issues too.  If one fails, it puts metal (not good) into the crankcase.
So, be alert for starter system anomalies too.
 
Yes, I know that most of us have low time engines, but one of the engines
I'm talking about had less than 500 hours on it.  . . . something to
think about.
 
Also, FYI, Crane Cams (major cam supplier to the auto industry & the
aviation industry) closed its doors in February.  This has affected the
supply of cams to overhaulers (& OEMs).  
 
We are noticing other shortages (and slowdowns due to cutbacks and
layoffs) in the industry too, so if you are needing parts or work done,
plan on a "little extra time" to get them.
 
Keep Flying!  :-))
 
Tom Lawson
N-905ET (315 hours and still lovin' it)
N-149ES (still building & looking for a buyer)
 
970-420-1798
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