The longevity of an aircraft cylinder depends upon the type of cylinder, its use and whether or not sufficient and proper maintenance took place throughout the lifespan of that aircraft cylinder. The following is a compilation of recommendations including suggested overhaul intervals and factors affecting aircraft cylinder lifespan.
In General
Aircraft cylinders are the hottest part of the engine. In the interest of the longevity of our aircraft engines, we need to keep our cylinders cool, our oil clean and regularly conduct aircraft cylinder inspections and cylinder overhauls as necessary.
To ensure that aircraft cylinder overhauls are performed in a timely manner, you need to keep a keen eye on usage and ensure that professional mechanical inspections occur at regular, frequent intervals, such as every 100 hours of flight time.
Follow Recommended Manufacturer Specifications
Following manufacturer specifications can help extend the life of your aircraft cylinder as well. When your aircraft cylinders no longer meet your specific manufacturer recommended criteria, a top overhaul – where all of your aircraft cylinders need to be replaced at once – may be the best course of action. An experienced aircraft cylinder specialist l can help you determine just how far you need to go when it comes to aircraft cylinder repair and overhauls, and the absolute best timing to meet your budget and aircraft requirements.
What to Look for to Maximize Aircraft Cylinder Lifespan
An aircraft cylinder operating at higher than normal temperatures or with leaky exhaust ports can greatly increase the probability of cracks and other damage, very likely leading to some serious engine issues.
A specific example is when extreme conditions result in the wear of the valve, valve seat, spring or lifter. Faulty cylinder valves can reduce your compression and, ultimately, the power of your aircraft. Plus, when a valve breaks apart, the broken pieces of metal that result can bang around your cylinder and into the piston. Absolutely no one wants that.
Additionally, you want to keep an eye out for head and barrel separation. Different metals with very different heat tolerances, such as an aluminum head which screws onto a steel barrel, can cause a great deal of when; and when a required fit is no longer precise, you could be looking at some pretty severe problems.
Cracks can also be detrimental to aircraft cylinders. Aircraft cylinder cracks may result in low compression and, worst case scenario, aircraft cylinder cracks can result in catastrophic engine failure. No matter the extent, any aircraft cylinder crack is serious enough to warrant grounding until that aircraft cylinder can be repaired.
Adhering to FAA Requirements to Extend the Life of Aircraft Cylinders
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directives require the frequent inspection of aircraft cylinders. Maintaining FAA safety approval and compliance, as well as the assurance that your aircraft preventive maintenance is occurring in a continual, fluid manner can also help to extend the lifespan of your aircraft cylinders.
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Aircraft Cylinder Cure
It is always a good idea to prevent any potential aircraft cylinder problems before they even occur as opposed to reactively repairing an aircraft. If not, you could be looking at serious aircraft engine issues resulting in costly repairs and parts, or worse yet, decreased safety.
Including timely aircraft cylinder overhauls into your flight safety plan can help, as can recruiting a trusted professional to help you uncover potential issues before they create excessive damage and downtime.
A Skilled Aircraft Cylinder Overhaul Mechanic for
Extending Aircraft Cylinder Lifespan and Knowing Exactly What You Need When You Need It
A skilled, experienced aircraft cylinder overhaul mechanic can also maximize the longevity of your aircraft cylinders. When aircraft cylinder preventive maintenance is performed by a highly qualified aircraft mechanic who specializes in overhauls, such as the aircraft technicians at Moore Performance Products, you know you have your aircraft in good hands you can trust to get the job done right.
For over 30 years, Moore Performance Products has provided a variety of preventive maintenance, overhaul services and repairs nationwide and overseas for the aircraft and aerospace industries. Family owned and operated, Moore Performance Products is also a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified repair station and FAA-certified in welding.
You can find Moore Performance Products conveniently located at 132 W. Park Avenue, Building 1 in Edgewater Florida. If you have any questions, they can also be reached at 386-409-7501 or 888-409-7555.
