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Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:17:56 -0400
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From: Mark Davis <marksdavis@cox.net>
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Subject: Performance Engines and the FAA
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As one of those who have previously posted on problems with my 
Performance Engine Lyc. IO-540, I offer what I'm able to on FAA 
involvement on the matter.  My contact with the FAA has asked that I not 
give any details since, while I was not told that what they said was 
"off the record", they are in what seems to be a bit of a legal bind 
(surprise) on subject - my interpretation.  They apparently have a not 
insignificant amount of hard documentation on the problems with these 
engines, including my own, but are unable to take action since all of 
our engines are "experimental".  I was told that since Performance 
Engines, at least at the time of my contact (several years ago now) held 
a Repair Station certificate, they could act on any problems noted with 
a certificated engine but they could take no action regarding 
experimental engines since there are no real legal standards for what 
that means - again my interpretation.  To be honest, I was impressed 
with the apparent sincere regret expressed during my contact that their 
hands were tied and the recognition of the potential safety problems 
involved. Unfortunately, I suspect that Paul's suggestion of submitting 
SDRs on problems would probably fail for the same reason.

My last post on the problem was about 2 years ago before overhauling my 
engine at 98 hours.  I would be willing to share the problems, pictures, 
required fixes, etc. from the tear down/overhaul with anyone 
interested.  Suffice to say that I was very glad that we did tear it 
down because  a number of things we found can only be described as 
scarry.  The engine is now back in operation with about 150 hours total 
on it and is one that I now have some real confidence in.  Like many 
others on the list, I strongly recommend that anyone with a Performance 
Engine that has not been overhauled since receipt do so ASAP.

Mark Davis
Legacy N422MD
San Diego, CA