O300D Aluminum in Oil

On Tue, 2 Nov 2004 16:36:16 -0600, "Gary Wilcox"
wrote:

What is the likely source of this aluminum? The mechanic suggested that I
fly for 10 hours and change the oil again to see if the problem goes away.

Be careful about flying with visible metal in the filter. I had a
similar problem with my O360. Metal in the filter and I grounded the
airplane. My AP said nearly the same thing as yours, but suggested
that we look in the finger screen that is right before the oil pump
first. Pulled that and there were thumbnail sized pieces of Al in it.
So many large chunks that it was nearly plugged its whole length
(~4"). We started pulling jugs and found that the back bosses of one
piston (that provide support for the wrist pin) were nearly all broken
out! I hate to think what might have happened if I did fly a few more
hours....

My suggestion is to check the screen (not very hard to do) before you
fly.


Anyone seen a situation where aluminum in the oil was a one time thing?


Not very likely. The piston/wrist pin plugs are about all there is to
make Al.

Good Luck,
Jerry

Jerry Jesion wrote:


Be careful about flying with visible metal in the filter. I had a
similar problem with my O360. Metal in the filter and I grounded the
airplane.

I don't have a filter on my 470 just a screen. I only look at the
screen once a year, at the annual. A couple years ago I started to lose
the starter adapter. The shaft of the adapter shed some metal. We
found that in the screen at the next annual. No way I automatically
ground the plane because of a little metal. You have to find out what
it is and then figure out why it's there. Some metal it doesn't matter.

I don't have a filter on my 470 just a screen. I only look at the
screen once a year, at the annual. A couple years ago I started to lose
the starter adapter. The shaft of the adapter shed some metal. We
found that in the screen at the next annual. No way I automatically
ground the plane because of a little metal. You have to find out what
it is and then figure out why it's there. Some metal it doesn't matter.


I disagree. AFAIK particles of metal large enough to see with the
naked eye in the oil is not normal for any engine (with the possible
exception of just after a major overhaul). IMHO to fly with an engine
making metal is not a good idea. Especially if there is a constant
speed prop. First find out what is going on before making any
decision in this regard.

j

I have the same engine and had the same symptom. My mechanic changed oil and
said fly it 10 more hours and we will re-check. When we re-checked, it was
worse and it cost me $13,000 to get airworthy again. This was my second year
of ownership. :-(


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