Cylinder cracked

[Gene Ridder]

During compression check #2 cylinder was a little below the others (70), found a crack on the top of the cylinder. My AI suggested buying a new from Lycoming through Aero Parts in Il. He said there isn't a problem mixing chrome cylinders with new. Any thoughts from others?

[Kristin Winter]

How much time is on the engine and cylinders? It probably doesn't make sense to repair it as you will spend nearly as much money for the repair as a new one. Likely if one has cracked, the others may not be far behind.

As you have chrome cylinders, I know that they have been overhauled at least once, if not more. While reconditioning cylinders once may have made economic sense, that is no longer the case. I would never overhaul without new cylinders unless the cylinders has been replaced with a top and had less than 1000 hours on them, then I might consider it if the barrels were not too worn.

[Gene Ridder]

980 SMOH. It's hard to predict engine life, but we keep tract of compressions and oil analysis

[Kristin Winter]

Welding repairs have a very spotty history of effectiveness. Did you get an estimate on cost to remove the cylinder, repair, and reinstall? I am inclined to think a new cylinder is the best course of action.

[Gene Ridder]

Going with the new cylinder, hopefully have it back in a week or so

[Alan Cheak]

Gene:

I have mixed cylinders and didn't find it to be a big problem. Follow Kristen's advise and just go with new. Trying to save a penny here or there in aviation will just cost you way more bucks later down the road. I got my cylinder from Van Bortal. My engine is at TBO and I'm tryingt o make it stretch it out just a little bit longer before I have to lay out some really serious coin. Good luck.

Alan

http://www.airpowerinc.com/productcart/ ... 432&x=O540

[9089P]

The only other thought I have is that when you install the cylinder generally one needs to do the whole enchilada on the breakin even though its only one cylinder.

Don