Aircraft Storage (6-9 months)

John Collier · #1 08-05-2012, 11:48 AM

I'm going oversees for a few months and my RV will be flown very little....if at all. What things should I consider doing before leaving town? I'm in Tucson, AZ so low humidity. I could probably have the battery charged / engine started once or twice at a minimum.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

-JC

Mel · #2 08-05-2012, 12:16 PM

May not be an option for you, but the very best thing would be for someone to fly it once a week.

Otherwise, fog the engine during shutdown, place a sign on the prop that says "Do Not Turn", and leave it.

Do not start the engine unless the airplane will be flown. Running the engine on the ground is NOT good!
It just creates moisture within the engine. See Lycoming Service Letter L180B.

Gash · #3 08-05-2012, 05:07 PM

What is the proper way to fog the engine?

John Collier · #4 08-05-2012, 06:49 PM

I believe it is when you remove the top spark plug and spray the cylinder with oil. I've read that most use a bug sprayer and thin the oil as required with kerosene. Mel...anyone?

Tandem46 · #5 08-05-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Collier

I'm going oversees for a few months and my RV will be flown very littleC

Beercan,

I'm in the same boat and so used the tanis system here:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ges/tanis1.php

Like Mel said, the best thing to do is have someone fly it once a week. If that is not possible, pickle it. Many, many folks here on VAF have made it clear that simply starting the engine once every so often will do more bad than good. Fly or pickle is my advice.

Check your PM.

Gash · #6 08-05-2012, 09:13 PM

I'm curious about the Tanis system for engine pickling that you linked to. Is there a proper way to "un-pickle" the engine when you're ready to fly again, or do you just go out and fly it without doing anything special? I get to go on the occasional military deployment to various garden spots around the world, and I will need to come up with a proper engine storage procedure during extended trips away.

Walt · #7 08-06-2012, 06:16 AM

Good info from Shell:

Engine Preservation

Ironflight · #8 08-06-2012, 06:27 AM

So here's a question for the old-time mechanics out there....I happen to have half a case of fogging oil (spray cans) from my jet skiing days. You fogged the two-strokes every time you cleaned them up, especially after riding in salt water.

How would this stuff work in the Lycomings?

Mel · #9 08-06-2012, 11:28 AM

I've used it on several Lycomings with no problems.

The innards of my Jabiru 3300A is covered with it right now.

AZtailwind · #10 08-06-2012, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Collier

I believe it is when you remove the top spark plug and spray the cylinder with oil. I've read that most use a bug sprayer and thin the oil as required with kerosene. Mel...anyone?

I have seen this also. Take the bottom plugs out and spray up if you don't have a fine mist sprayer. That will drip down to where the top rings contact the wall. Also include the plug dehydrators and you should get away with this here in Arizona. But it does not save that Lyc. cam for long term storage. I think the cam is just as subject to rust than the Cyl,s. I'm with Mel, fly it for an hour a month...