"Frode Berg" wrote in message ...
Hi!

We just got the bill for our new engine.....*GASP**
It should be ready and mounted in a few weeks.
It's a 1968' Piper Arrow 180 hp.
Great plane!

Is there anything we should be aware of the first few hours running a newly
installed factory overhauled engine? It's a Lycoming.

Any bad things to look for? Not run it over a speceific RPM or anything like
this?

Thanks,

Frode Berg
LN-LMR
Hi Frode
I have had the opportunity of breaking in a number of new engines on
both airplanes and helicopters. The first 25 hours are critical as the
rings get seated and the cylinder walls get polished to fit as well as
other moving parts. With the break-in oil, keep in mind you are going
to have lots of minute particles as the engine wears off the ragged
(microscopic) edges which in turn act like grinding compound. Don't
hesitate to use full power for the appications such as take-off,
climb, or emergency. While at your cruise altitude change the RPM or
MP every :10 or so to a higher or lower setting and let it run at that
for :10, etc etc.
Be sure to check the oil before and after every flight to insure both
the quantity and for any chunks that may have partial numbers on them!
Go with the manufacturers recommendations in case you have to make a
complaint or get a warranty replacement. It has always seemed to me
the first 100 hours of an engines life tells the tale of the next
1000. I've had a couple engines fail in the first 100 hours (including
turbine that gave up after 23 hrs), and I've taken engines well past
the TBO with little or virtually no oil consumption by using the above
technique. Turbines of course are a different animal entirely.
All in all, religious oil and filter changes are the key to a long
running engine and reliability. The same applies to my cars and they
keep on running long after they are supposed to like the Energizer
Bunny.
As a utility pilot, I run my equipment hard in places where help is
remote if available at all, and need to depend on it to stay alive.
Best of luck
Ol Shy & Bashful