----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 7:06 AM
Subject: [LML] Crankshaft bolts
I thought I would pass along a problem I have
found in my engine so that someone else might benefit.
I will give the quick version since the detailed
version would go on for pages. While getting ready to go to Alaska in my
IVP, I did a last oil change before leaving. It had only 11 hours on the
oil change but I wanted a fresh change before the trip. When examining
the oil filter, I found a piece of safety wire about 1/2 inch long. It
was still round and looked in good condition. Again, the short version
of the story is I found broken safety wire on the back end of the crankshaft
and one bolt was broken and the head was missing.
The engine has a total of 650 hours on it, is a
TSIO550E and has got to be removed rebuilt / replaced.
I had absolutely no indication anything was wrong
other than finding the safety wire. Therefore I would recommend to cut
the oil filter open and inspect it every time. Any time you have the
starter drive adapter off look at the camshaft gear bolts that are
lockwired. They are easily seen.
If you have an occasion to have the fuel pump off
be sure to look at the crankshaft bolts and lockwire. They are easily
seen through the hole left by the fuel pump. If you are really curious,
then without really removing too much you can use a boroscope and see the
crankshaft bolts from a cover plate on the top left of the accessory
case.
If anyone is interested, there are many, many
more details. It goes without saying that being between
mountains in Alaska at less than 1000 ft. agl is not where I would want
to be with this engine. There were several things that had to happen to
have me find the problem when I did. Someone was looking out after
me.
Dan Reagan
IVP 650 hours -soon to have a zero time
engine