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Rob,
You should ask a Lycoming or MT tech support person
this question, and ignor all answers from anyone else.
Rod
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 5:42
PM
Subject: [LML] Engine Crankshaft
Expansion Plug
Guys -
I'm planning on running my Lycoming IO-360-B1F
engine for the first time this summer, then sometime later removing the
propeller and trailering the aircraft for painting. With my trailer
setup, it is better if the prop is not installed because the air causes the
prop to rotate. Plus, rocks could ding it up on the
road.
According to a Lycoming Service Instruction (number 1435, dated
1986) there is an expansion plug at the front of the crankshaft which must be
removed in order to get oil into the constant speed prop. Apparently the
plug stays in place if using a fixed pitch prop. I have an MT 3-bladed
oil controlled constant speed prop. My engine already has the prop
governor oil line installed. In fact, the governor is mounted as
well.
Two questions:
1) Must the expansion plug be removed
if the engine is only going to be idled at 1000 RPM for one minute and no
attempt will be made to cycle the prop? (In other words, will the prop
be damaged if it is not supplied with oil?) If so, how do I remove it --
short of poking it with a screwdriver and prying it out?
2) If I
do need to remove the plug to run the engine, can I just put it back in when I
remove the prop? Do I need a new one in order for it to seal
properly? (Obviously, if I poke it out with a screwdriver I'll need a
new plug anyway...)
Thanks in advance.
- Rob
Wolf
p.s. I thought I was very close to running the engine
until I made a list of everything I need to do first. It's three pages,
single spaced. Sigh. It never ends....
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