----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 4:06
AM
Subject: [LML] Crankshaft bolts
I thought I would pass along a problem I have
found in my engine so that someone else might benefit.
I will give the quick version since the
detailed version would go on for pages. While getting ready to go to
Alaska in my IVP, I did a last oil change before leaving. It had only
11 hours on the oil change but I wanted a fresh change before the
trip. When examining the oil filter, I found a piece of safety wire
about 1/2 inch long. It was still round and looked in good
condition. Again, the short version of the story is I found broken
safety wire on the back end of the crankshaft and one bolt was broken and
the head was missing.
The engine has a total of 650 hours on it, is a
TSIO550E and has got to be removed rebuilt / replaced.
I had absolutely no indication anything was
wrong other than finding the safety wire. Therefore I would recommend
to cut the oil filter open and inspect it every time. Any time you
have the starter drive adapter off look at the camshaft gear bolts that are
lockwired. They are easily seen.
If you have an occasion to have the fuel pump
off be sure to look at the crankshaft bolts and lockwire. They are
easily seen through the hole left by the fuel pump. If you are really
curious, then without really removing too much you can use a boroscope and
see the crankshaft bolts from a cover plate on the top left of the accessory
case.
If anyone is interested, there are many, many
more details. It goes without saying that being between
mountains in Alaska at less than 1000 ft. agl is not where I would want
to be with this engine. There were several things that had to happen
to have me find the problem when I did. Someone was looking out after
me.
Dan Reagan
IVP 650 hours -soon to have a zero time
engine
Cincinnati