I hesitate asking about this again, but I am too close to possibly flying to drop the ball too much now.  I have a drop in oil pressure again.  It has dropped from the high 60's or so to between 20 psi to 40 psi (20 to 30 at lower RPM and only up to around 40+ as I increase power).

 

My first thought was that it was the front o-ring and silicone ring in the front cover. So, I pulled the front pan and replaced it.  I also was able to check the front pressure port and the oil pump chain/key/washer etc and all was good.

 

I am about to have to pull the engine to check the bottom of the engine for the oil pick up and rear port (after checking the hoses, but I would thinking a blockage, depending on where it is, would increase pressure).  One of the disadvantages of the Conversion Concepts mount is that I pretty much have to pull the engine to check the bottom end.

 

My question is, other than the mentioned items, what else could cause this sort of drop.  I have hooked up a mechanical pressure gage (instead of the RWS EM2).  My concern is that it may be the front bearing as it was the only part I recall being closer to being out of spec.  I hate the idea of having to tear down the engine again to replace this part especially since the engine is running all but perfectly and I was doing squawks preparing for my DAR inspection before this issue crept up.

 

Also, even though I can't think of a way, is there any way to replace the front stationary gear/bearing without cracking the engine...just had to ask as I am not really liking the idea of cracking open the engine again, even though I am getting a bit too good at it....but apparently not well enough to make it actually work right.

 

As opposed to mucking around with red hearings and wild goose chases, I figured I would just ask again.  And yes, I have been reviewing the archives already.

 

TIA

 

Thanks

 

Chris Barber

Houston.