500 Replacements Shipped In Less Than A Month

Teledyne Continental Motors told ANN Monday the enginemaker has made "excellent progress" on efforts to resolve a Mandatory Service Bulletin issued last month, affecting cylinders on certain 470, 520 and 550 series engine models (MSB09-1).

As ANN reported, TCM issued a voluntary recall on certain piston cylinders produced and shipped since November 2007, after owners reported cylinder head cracking found during regular maintenance inspections. The company hopes to avoid issuance of an Airworthiness Bulletin on the problem, stating it believes all suspect cylinders can be replaced within the next year, on TCM's dime.

"TCM has successfully ramped up cylinder production to meet current market demand for replacement cylinders and new engines, plus the additional TopCare 470, 520 and 550 cylinder demand necessary to complete the recall by December 31, 2009," the company said Monday. "Current daily cylinder production rates increased 100% to 120 complete cylinders per day."

TCM added since the recall was issued February 12, 500 replacement cylinders have been produced and shipped to the field specifically designated for the recall program. The company has also contracted 14 domestic service centers to accomplish cylinder replacements under the MSB, with negotiations underway with additional domestic and international locations.

"TCM engine manufacturing has returned to the normal adjusted production rate after clearing the backlog created by the cylinder recall," the company stated. "TCM expects to have all backlogged engines completed and shipped by the first week of April. Factory New and Rebuilt engines not affected by the cylinder recall remain at a 4-5 week manufacturing lead time."

The enginemaker has also reposted several engine models to its Factory Stock Viewer on the TCM website. Some engines had been temporarily removed until they could be inspected to ensure compliance with MSB09-1.

FMI: www.tcmlink.com/cylinders