Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #61184
From: Steve Colwell <mcmess1919@yahoo.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: L2K oil under belly
Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:24:09 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>

My engine started blowing oil out the breather at about 40 hours.  The upper rings and ring lands on all pistons had worn significantly allowing “Ring Flutter” at reduced manifold pressure on descents.  This would only occur in flight, so it was difficult to diagnose until a manometer was tapped into the crankcase vent line about 2’ from the outlet.  Crankcase vent pressure was stable until manifold pressure was reduced, then it spiked as ring/piston blow-by occurred.  The fix was replacing the Performance Engines supplied forged aluminum pistons with stock design ECI steel/aluminum pistons.  I now use about 1 quart of Phillips XC in 15 hours. 

 

Steve Colwell  Legacy 550

 

On Behalf Of Charles Brown
Re: L2K oil under belly

 

Continental Factory Reman.  Same symptoms.  I've never tried running with *less* than 6 qt, but I know that things get worse with *more* than 6qt.

 

On Feb 21, 2012, at 10:30 AM, Tony Moradian wrote:

 

Pacific Continental Engines at Whiteman Airport in Southern California

 

Tony Moradian
Legacy L2K330
N444HL



Subject: [LML] L2K oil under belly

 

Who built your engine?

 

Steve Colwell  (former Performance Engine owner with similar symptoms)

 

I have about 100 hours on my Legacy now.  Air/oil separator installed and tuned.  I keep the oil level at or below 6 quarts.  It still spits it out under the belly.  I try to keep the decents powered (No less than 17" MP), and i try to keep the climbs not too steep.

 

Is this something that i have to live with (Common trait among Legacies?)

 

Any input will be appreciated.

 

Tony Moradian
Legacy L2K330
N444HL

 

 

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