lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As we continue our discussion, and I hope it's just that, I would like answer several questions asked of me, and make a few comments. First, Continental reimbursed me 60 percent for my new top care cylinders. That included parts and labor. This was for a 532 hour engine that was delivered six years earlier. This exceeded their warranty obligations. I have found that Continental will do no less than their warranty obligations, and in most cases exceed it substantially. Second, I suggest three things that will keep a early engine going to TBO. 1. Change Cyl's or piston rings. 2. Use Marvel Mystery oil in fuel and operate the engine at 70 percent or less. 3. Get a Continental authorized FBO dealer to do compression checks and oil analysis every 25 hours. When cyl's wear accelerates due to lack of lube- it'll show up- then get FBO to start the dialogue with TCM about warranty replacement cyl's. Third, Brent says "the Continental 550 is really a bored 520 running at higher rpm". Checking Continental's product page on the Internet, I found that; The TSIO 520 has a bore of 5.25 and a stroke of 4 in. It develops 325 horsepower at 2700 rpm. The TSIO 550 has a bore of 5.25 inches and a stroke of 4.25inches. It develops 350 horsepower at 2700 rpm. Therefore, we can assume the 25 horsepower is derived from the extra stroke. Not rpm, as Brent mentioned. The weight of this engine is 442 pounds. The Lycoming TIO 540 weighs 527 pounds and delivers 350 horsepower at 2575 rpm. I have flown and trained in the Lycoming power airplane. I felt every power stroke. No piston powered aircraft engine is smoother than a Continental. Would we dare ask the maintenance history of the Lycoming's? Continental's has been subject to full attention. And, if this is such a good idea, why haven't other Lancair builders followed suit? Regarding re-engineering and auto engine application, Brent also mentions that "The few efforts that have been successful, like Jim Rahm's EngineAir and the Eagle (we hope), are testament to this." I recall an earlier discussion when Brent mentioned we needed "independently verified data". I agreed wholeheartedly. Do we define success, as one flying example, with less than 500 hours flying time? Charlie K. LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.