Comment

Comment by David J. Beaulieu on November 15, 2018 at 9:14am

No idea what caused the crack - though to hoist and mount the engine I used 4 loops of 1" webbing around the base of each cylinder joining to a single hook on the engine hoist.  This was an "approved" method to lift the engine IAW the UL representative.  Since I acquired the 2011 engine, the company now has incorporated a lift plate on the engine block and they have also increased the wall thickness of the cylinders on later production engines....kinda interesting!  UL in Belgium and Ray Lawerence in Georgia have been great to work with (Thanks Ray!)   For now, will replace with new cylinder and keep an eye on the others!  Will post any further relevant info from UL in the UL engine forum if I have anything.  Tom - thanks for the compliment, but I pale in comparison to real mechanics who do this stuff day in and out for a living in the aviation world.  Glad to be able to rub shoulders with them over my career so far.

Comment by Tom Sullivan on November 14, 2018 at 10:09pm

Nice going, David. I'd work along side you anyday...

Comment by Gary Motley on November 14, 2018 at 9:58pm

Great sleuthing there buddy. Please pass along any feedback from the company. 

Comment by Jon Humberd on November 14, 2018 at 9:24pm

Any speculation as to what caused the crack?

Comment by David J. Beaulieu on November 14, 2018 at 8:15pm

Lo and behold! A crack with discontinuity approx 1.5 inches overall minimum!! It's location is consistent with location of the oil seepage collecting on the flange bolt (the flange bolt ear is just below the crack evidenced by the dye pen test.