Is there an article on breaking in new e

[TDTURBO]

I am looking for some on-line info on break in proceedures for new piston single engines (0-540 type). Does anyone know were to find such material? If so, thanks a biggy!

 

[Wiggums]

Yes, run it hard.

Key Reprints

 

[SaifAir]

If you bought a factory engine I would call your local Lycoming rep. I believe the web site is www.lycoming.textron.com they can give you the information. Even if got a a field overhaul they should give you the info.

 

[tarp]

The Wiggums link says it all.

Think of two power settings for the new engine, idle and 75% power. Try and go smoothly between these two extremes. Ergo: the fact that FBO's tell their instructors not to do stalls, touch and go's, or other manuevers that jockey the power all over the place.

The only other caveat is buy a case of mineral oil - you run the engine on straight mineral for the 50 hours of its life with a complete oil/filter change at 25 hours. Mineral burns off a little faster than the new synthetics and your rings have not seated properly so keep a couple of qts. in the plane and keep it topped off.

 

[boeingav8r]

Yes that's true...you should use mineral oil for the first 50 or so hours and never run the engine at the same power setting for too long. I've heard mechanics say to vary the power settings smoothly. This, combined with the mineral oil will help the rings seat properly.

 

[flywithastick]

In addition to the Lycoming article above, work very hard to minimize ground run. Next time I have to do a break-in, I'd skip all ground run up, pull the plane to the end of the runway and just go. Preheat the oil if possible. If you're at a controlled field, call the tower and see if you can use a tug to get you to the runway. I may be a little overboard with minimizing the ground run, but glazed cylinders *are* a real drag. BTDT.

 

[Wiggums]

I don't know if I would go to all that trouble. There isn't really enough heat to glaze the cylinders on the ground, just keep the power as close to idle as you can.

 

[TDTURBO]

Thanks allot guys,

I am going to run it down to the Keys a couple times to get it ready for IFR, the mechanic said what you guys told me.....keep it real cool and no sudden power changes. I haven't flown in 2 months so my IFR skills are toast. I can't practice them with the new engine either so it's VFR only until I get 15 or so hours on it. Also, I can't fly higher than 5000 due to the break -in power required. I hope I don't get stuck in Florida, God knows how much I'll miss the liquid nitrogen like air here in Chicago.




BTW: Anybody hear from Avbug? He hasn't been around on other sites either, I hope he's alright.

 

[rfeathe1]

TD Turbo--I'm not sure what the recommended breakin procedures are but the Lycoming 0 540 is one of the most bulletproof engines ever built. I had one in a Pawnee & it went almost 2300 cropdusting hrs before I replaced it. I used to run this engine wide open most of the time with OATs 90 to 100 F. I had a friend who owned a Cherokee 235 with this engine & it lasted 2600 hrs. I know this does not answer your question on breakin but I had to get my .02 cents worth in.