MT P860-3 Prop Gov fail.

[DanH]

Marvelous. They changed the design of the flyweight assembly in July of 2013. Somebody had concerns, theoretical or actual, and there were only 175 serial numbers with the problematical design. How hard would it have been to declare a fix three years ago?

[BobTurner]

I see the SB applies only to engines modified with electronic ignition or high(er) compression pistons.
Have there been any failures on stock engines?

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

I see the SB applies only to engines modified with electronic ignition or high(er) compression pistons.
Have there been any failures on stock engines?

Yes--mine for one (2 mags, 8.5 pistons), Myron's for 2, a third did have lightspeed and one mag. MT was made aware of this from multiple sources to include both Vans and BPE -- disappointing that they chose to publish that misconception in the SB even after they were told it was false.

[rv4bill]

Bob

I asked Peter about the compression/EI part of the SB.

He stated that if your serial number is on the list AND you have either electronic ignition OR higher compression Pistons then you should not fly until repaired. If you have standard / stock engine ( no EI and no higher compression) then follow SB as shown.

Didn't make sense to me either as some of the failures seemed to be "stock".
I asked Peter to join the discussion to put rumors to rest and tell us straight up, "what's up". He said his company policy doesn't allow anyone to participate in forum discussions as they tend to turn ugly.

He seemed very willing to take any calls about the SB or prop governor question anyone may have.

[woxofswa]

It was amusing to me to see my serial number on the SB list.

I find the whole EI/High comp thing to be curious as none of the recent failurees apply. Something smells to me that there was a previous failure(s) that was quietly investigated. They sure seem confident about the weights assembly fix and yet they have not even inspected the two specimens that breached the case wall. I've sent them two emails that they've never answered.

I would be very curious to know what PG Van has on his personal 10

[GaryK]

Did MT mention what the cost would be to comply with the SB.

Gary

[GaryK]

I called them on the SB cost.
No charge other than shipping.

Since mine would be due for an overhaul in 18 months or so, I asked what that cost would be if they did it at the same time as the SB. Since they have it apart the OH cost is $250.

Gary

[woxofswa]

I just got off the phone 1 minute ago with Peter. I told him that not a SINGLE one of the recent failures would apply to the SB as written.

His answer was "we are just a service center, all inquiries of that nature must be directed back to the factory."

Now we know that they've known about the problem since 2013.

Excuse the melodrama, but my wife and I had 2-3 minutes of sustainable oil left when I landed. If I had been just a few miles further south I would have been off airport and choosing between sheep trails, lava rock, or forest. Having not known that I was going to be dead stick until it seized. (Not that an abandoned airport on the Rez is far from off airport).

Rant off. Thank God nobody has gotten hurt (that we know of).

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

Yes--mine for one (2 mags, 8.5 pistons), Myron's for 2, a third did have lightspeed and one mag. MT was made aware of this from multiple sources to include both Vans and BPE -- disappointing that they chose to publish that misconception in the SB even after they were told it was false.

The copy that has been produced as we have it, was not "published" on the MT website. Maybe there are still changes being made?

[bruceflys]

The Service Difficulty Report form in Post #127 cites a FAR 121.703 requirement. Part 121 applies to Air Carriers (scheduled airlines), not to experimental aircraft operating under Part 91. That said, informing the aviation community of a product defect is a good thing even if not mandatory.