On 3-Nov-2004, (Wolfgang) wrote:

Is anyone aware of statistical or other data that would indicate what
percentage of engines make it well beyond the factory specified TBO,
and how much longer they can be flown safely? I worry about sudden
engine failure due to metal fatigue.


We swapped the IO-360 in our Arrow at around 2100 hrs SMOH, not because of a
specific problem but rather a series of issues as well as "general
principles". One thing I was worried about was valve "necking" in which the
valve stem elongates, requiring the use of a shorter than standard pushrod
to maintain required valve tappet clearance. We had this happen on a couple
of exhaust valves, making me nervous about he possibility of a valve
breaking and being swallowed by the engine (which was bound to happen while
flying at the MEA in solid IMC).

Another thing to remember is that by not waiting for a major engine problem
you can schedule the overhaul or engine swap for minimum downtime. If the
engine becomes unairworthy, the plane might sit for weeks.

-Elliott Drucker

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-Elliott Drucker