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Permalink Reply by Glenn Davis on January 25, 2020 at 7:32am

You used to recommend adjusting the valves annually. Has that changed?

Glenn Davis

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Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on January 26, 2020 at 6:16pm

We still do Glenn, we have just forgotten it on this list and will add. 

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Permalink Reply by Loren Warner on January 25, 2020 at 1:20pm

I'm not necessarily against doing these checks, but 

- Why change the alternator belt annually if the conditional inspection shows it's still good?  

- Why replace fuel system prefilters annually if they are visibly clear of contaminates?

- Why check compression if all engine parameters are normal.  

- On another list you recommend checking intake and exhaust valves annually, but if compression is good then why bother?

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Permalink Reply by Loren Warner on January 25, 2020 at 1:20pm

I'm not necessarily against doing these checks, but 

- Why change the alternator belt annually if the conditional inspection shows it's still good?  

- Why replace fuel system prefilters annually if they are visibly clear of contaminates?

- Why check compression if all engine parameters are normal.  

- On another list you recommend checking intake and exhaust valves annually, but if compression is good then why bother?

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Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on January 26, 2020 at 6:16pm

Basically use your judgment on the belt if you have flown very little hours and it is fine, it doesn't have to be changed. However, the belt is like $5 and if anyone is questioning changing it. You can or should. 

Same goes for the pre filters, it is a very affordable and easy change, but if it isn't needed, don't do it. The biggest thing is avoiding the filters in the fuel pumps from getting contaminated and causing fuel flow issues. A pre-filer is a couple bucks, the fuel pump is a much larger and timely expense. 

Compression is also easy to check by turning the propeller, if your comfortable doing so.

We need to add the checking valves annually, we forgot to add it on here. 

The biggest thing is trying to provide a list if someone wants a thorough list for those that need and want it and to use your best judgement. As an experimental not all of it is necessarily required, but it is a good starting point. 

We covered a lot of this and the reasonings why in todays engine workshop, we will try to publish what we have in video, wish you could have been here, you would have loved it.

-Alissa 

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Permalink Reply by Loren Warner on January 26, 2020 at 9:04am

How do I delete a double post?

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Permalink Reply by Loren Warner on January 26, 2020 at 7:35pm

All of these checks are easy enough, but annually seems a bit much.  I understand the valve lash should eventually be checked because their not hydraulic, but to me it makes more sense to do it based on condition and or hours, vice calendar.   Same with compression check.  

As for doing compression, seems to me that it should be done by engaging the start motor with all spark plugs removed and the air inlet fully open.  What am I missing?

We can discuss all of this even more when you come up here for the Great Alaskan Aviation Gathering in May.

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