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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?)
I don´t have a clue. I don´t think anyone has ever considered this;
usually, if the engine is intended for use with a c/s prop, it would be
prepared accordingly prior to installing the prop. Based on my knowledge about
c/s props the prop will not be damaged, but why fire up the engine if you
cannot test prop operation anyway?
- and why install a propeller temporarily if not absolutely
necessary? Installing a propeller is not all that funny and there´s always
a risk of damaging the o-ring.....
You could, of course, skip the o-ring for temporary installations (I
did).
If so, how do I remove it --
short of poking it with a screwdriver and prying it out?
That is pretty much excactly what Lycoming instructs you to do. The front
plug (installed IN FRONT OF THE FRONT CRANK BEARING!) is a thin little feller
that is easily punched with a screwdriver or the like.
BE AWARE that, in case a front plug is installed, the engine is prepped for
fixed pitch operation and, thus, will surely have been delivered
without a REAR PLUG. A rear plug has to be installed BEHIND THE FRONT CRANK
BEARING, otherwise the governor oil will simply return to the crankcase via the
hollow crankshaft.
The rear plug is significantly heavier than the front plug (don´t have
the part # at hand) and must be slipped past the oil supply tube inside the
crank, turned 90 deg. and tapped into place with a suitable tool.
If you are unsure about this operation (I was), have a certified mechanic
do this (i did!)
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...)
During transportation to and from the paintshop
and, really, since i recieved the OH´ed engine, I sealed the crankshaft with a
special tool available at most hardware stores. I don´t have the part # at hand,
but they refer to it as "duct tape". It works great, seals well and
provides no obvious sideeffects!
Very best regards
Tim Jorgensen
360 Gamma (MKIIOBFB) 81%
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