Cracked Cylinder

[Hoyler]

Hello to all,
Just found a crack in #3 cylinder on my 180. Only 175 hrs. on engine since overhaul but that is over 10 years ago (ya, I know I don't fly enough). Prior to my ownership Logs show a top overhaul back in 1995 and state "cylinders repaired" as a part of that top overhaul so I might be dealing with a repaired cylinder. During the complete overhaul 10 years ago, in addition to the required work, the jugs were "re-chromed" at that time and had I been smarter I would have installed new cylinders instead.

So I've been looking into replacement and my choices seam to be:
1- New Lycoming ( but they are quoting 8 to 10 weeks away)
2- New Superior ( in stock at Progressive Air)
3- Local engine shop has some first run Lycoming cylinders that came off an engine at TBO. They could build me up an overhauled cylinder and given the very low time of my cracked jug they think it might be possible to reuse my piston, rings, valves Etc. Depending on what they find my cost saving would be $200 to $400 over new Superior and $400 to $600 over new Lycoming.

So once again I find myself seeking advice from the vast knowledge base of Comanche society members. What has been the experience of members with Superior cylinders? Overhaul 1st run used or not? I would prefer to use Lycoming but not happy about the long wait time.

Any and all advice greatly appreciated,
Robert

[Clarence Beintema]

I would suggest a new cylinder, unless you know the history of the used cylinder you could find yourself in the same situation with another cracked cylinder in the future.

Clarence

[IO720]

Check out Central Cylinder in Omaha. They rebuilt THREE engines for me with excellent results. I'll bet they'll have a spare cylinder, new or used, available. Tell them Rick Mascari sent you.

http://www.centralcylinder.com/

Rick Mascari
N64400

[JIMICS2452]

I like ECI cylinders for the easy break in, corrosion resistant nickel barrel.

[Hoyler]

Thanks Clarence, Rick and Jim. I just ordered new Lycoming cylinder kit from Aviall in Calgary. They have only 1 so I grabbed it. $1602.00 Can. Ouch!! Darn cheap Canadian dollar!
Be here on the Greyhound this afternoon.

Anyone with pearls of wisdom on break-in?

Thanks again,
Robert

[Clarence Beintema]

I'd suggest searching the Lycoming web site, there is an instruction on correct break in procedure. I agree, the current exchange rate is painful, luckily I bought my Comanche and all of the upgrades when the dollar was closer.

Clarence

[William Hughes]

Watch out for the weight of the pistons. You need to make sure the opposite pistons match within a certain tolerance.

[Pat Elliott]

[quote="Hoyler"]Anyone with pearls of wisdom on break-in?

Thanks again,
Robert[/quote]


Fly it like you stole it.... :D

[Clarence Beintema]

Here is the link to the Lycoming procedure

http://www.lycoming.com/Portals/0/techp ... 12-29-2010)/Lycoming%20Reciprocating%20engine%20Break-In%20and%20Oil%20Consumption.pdf

Clarence

[Hoyler]

Thanks Clarence, I've got the Lycoming service bulletins on break-in procedures.

Thanks William, The Lycoming cylinder kit has instructions as to cylinder weight. Looks like they match/adjust weight with the piston in plugs. My mechanic and I are researching the issue. Only one chance to get it right so I am being very carful. Goes into the shop next week.

Thanks again,
Robert