|
And you wonder why we prefer a Rotary over an expensive,
certified engine??. I think the certification part only means it
is certified to break and cost mucho money. You would think
after their crankshaft fiasco they would be more careful in QA. Repair
cost (even with free parts) apprently will cost on the order of
$16,000.
Dave, here is another one for your file.
Ed A
 The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive AD on a certain make of
connecting rod found in about 2,800 Lycoming 360- and 540-series engines in
service in the U.S. The AD covers engines that have had certain ECi connecting
rods installed as part of a repair or overhaul. The FAA determined that the
connecting rods covered by the AD have deficiencies in the journal bores that
can cause fatigue and/or bearing failure, which can result in "uncommanded
shutdown" of the engine. Offending rods that have seen more than 1,500 hours
of service have to be replaced within 50 hours and the others must be replaced
before reaching 1,500 hours. The engines have been installed in dozens of
certified and experimental aircraft. The repairs, according to the FAA's math,
will cost about $700 per engine (we think it could be a lot more) and ECi has
said it might give credit for returned connecting rods. Another AD affecting
crankshafts in 1,128 engines in the same families takes effect on Oct. 21. The
repair cost on those engines is estimated at more than $16,000 but Lycoming
has said it will supply the parts for free.
lycomeng.jpg
|