From: AVIDWIZ@aol.com
Message-ID: <153.973d39a.29aa860d@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 13:08:13 EST
Subject: TSIO 550 Engines - Failures - Hartzell Props etc.
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
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Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

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Gentlemen of the list, 

I recently purchased a IVP and began the process of refurbishment, updating 
the look of the panel, paint, interior and generally bringing it to new 
specifications.   It has had a TSIO 550E driving a Hartzell Prop for its 
entire life.

The aircraft in question which has 880 hours on it experienced an engine 
failure at 464 hours.  After tear down it was determined that in addition to 
low compression it had abnormal wear on the camshaft which showed lobes which 
were no longer smooth and spualding on the lifters.

TCM inspected the engine and must have felt they had some responsability as 
they paid for 80% of the total overhaul bill.

After I purchased the aircraft (TT880 hrs or 416 SMOH) I had the engine 
inspected and low and behold what do we discover ... EXACTLY the same 
circumstances.   Low Compression on Cyl 3 and 5 and a worn cam and spauling 
on the lifters.

I notified TCM of this problem and they have sent someone to inspect the 
engine.  No results from their side as yet but the circumstances raises the 
question as to why the same engine would experience a failure in the same way 
in virtually the same amount of time?

The aircraft was flown by an experienced Lancair pilot for its entire life 
and presumably if he had been doing anything wrong and mis treating the 
engine after the first failure he would have ammended his ways.      TCM nor 
the engine shops I have consulted have done any finger pointing at the pilot 
by the way.

So...what do our experts out there have to say?   

Is this particular TSIO 550 a lemon?   

Do all TSIO 550's when installed in IVP's start having problems at +/- 500 
hrs?

Thoughts, ideas and postulations welcome.

Dave
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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