lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Posted for "Carl Cadwell" <CarlC@Cadwell.com>: Lancairs have experienced 3 scavenge pump failures on the TCM TSIO 550 engines. This pump is driven by a shaft that fails and all the engine oil is lost. I have been deeply concerned about this and have been in contact with Continental. Dave Disco from Continental contacted me today concerning this failure. This is his report: TCM has been using this system for 35 years. The recent failures are not identified with any batches and seem to be random. All have failed at less than 50 hours. There is a service bulletin at the FAA for their approval. It calls for a visual inspection of the plate that covers the access. If there is an oil leak, then the shaft and sump pump needs to be replaced. If there is not, then the service bulletin compliance is entered in the log book. The shaft supposedly vibrates and rattles before failing. The failure is allegedly from knurling that is faulty and does not allow sufficient lubrication. So, INSPECT the Plate on the firewall side of the engine that is slightly to the right of centerline. It is about 5 inches across. If there are no oil leaks and more than 100 hours on the engine, supposedly your engine is good. My cowling is coming off tonight. Can't fly anyway. AS for the planes that have experienced the failure. 2 were flown by Don Goetz. One was on short final, the engine was shut down and no damage to the engine resulted. A second needed power to return to the airport which it was able to do. The engine was a mess. The third had an off-airport landing in May damaging the airplane. All 3 occupants walked away. I provide this information as an early warning bulletin. I hope that my understanding is correct. I am enjoying flying the IVP and very comfortable in it. Now, if I can also help solve the engine hesitation upon switching fuel tanks the first time, at altitude on hot days, with the engine leaned out for cruise, I will be back. Orin has me trying some things as my plane does this very consistently. By the way, to get around it, I switch the tank at full rich. Only on the first switch. I watch the fuel flow drop and then return to normal and then lean out for cruise. It has hesitated once utilizing this procedure. Pray for the victims of the terrorists. Pray for comfort for the victims' families and friends. Pray specifically for those who are still alive and trapped, that somehow the rescue efforts lead directly to them. Light a candle at 7pm tomorrow and take it out that all may see this country's strength and resolve. Carl Cadwell N25CL, 95 hours, IVP LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.