Tue, Mar 17, 2009
Additional 300 Cylinders Added To MSB Revision
Teledyne Continental Motors has
issued its first revision to a Mandatory Service Bulletin issued
last month, calling for replacement of certain cylinders. The
updated MSB adds 300 additional cylinders, manufactured since
August 2006... 15 months longer than the original timeline.
As ANN reported, on February 12 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. That MSB affected
cylinders on certain 470, 520 and 550 series engine models; the
expanded MSB covers the same engine modes, but now indicates
problems may have appeared on cylinders older than in the original
timeframe.
Per the MSB, "TCM has determined that the EQ3 cylinder head
casting tool used in the manufacturing process created an area of
reduced thickness that may result in a crack after prolonged
operation. This crack manifests itself in the area between the
upper sparkplug bore and the fuel injector/primer nozzle bore.
"The cracked cylinders returned to date have occurred on engines
from high use fleet operations with occurrence times ranging from
approximately 430 to 1,300 total hours. Replacement cylinders
conforming to proven production history will be provided."
There have been no reported accidents or incidents stemming from
the manufacturing defect.
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.
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