How to learn more about engines

[walkman]

Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry

The thread on the loss of compression and the posts about pulling the jugs and checking clearances and tolerances was yet another reminder about a reality for me: I don't **** about engines.

I don't know how to pull a cylinder. I don't know WHEN to pull a cylinder. I don't know what to do about a stuck valve even if I had one, which I don't.

I'm wondering if there is some reasonably efficient way of learning these things with, perhaps, some hands-on practice that might tell me what tools I need and help me understand what the builder/owner is capable of when it comes to servicing an engine in a given situation?

Buy an airplane as a broke, just out of college person. Tulip a valve. Make friends with a good AI.

or

get an old 911. Get a divorce. Break some head studs.

IOW there's no better way to learn something than getting stuck in and just doing it.

[Sid Lambert]

Bob,

I'm betting you could find a well known engine shop to host you for a day or 2 then find a good A&P to follow around the firewall forward for a week or so. After that, do what you do best, write about it. I think your experience would be a great read.

[jpowell13]

Sorry Mike. My words were poorly chosen, and I'm no expert by any means. I admire real knowledge and experience wherever I find it. Men who earn a living working on airplanes today have enough pressure to deal with and I apologize for the negative tone of my comments. You're right to call me on it.

Sincerely,

John

[rocketbob]

The best bet is to go to Lycoming's school. Some of the things they teach are behind the times. They still recommend against LOP operation which to me is almost like believing the world is still flat. They still use silk string. They still use antiquated sealants and greases.

Treat every single article with a skeptics eye because NONE of the articles are vetted out.

If you want an exercise, rebuild a lawn mower engine. A Lycoming is really not much more complicated.

[BillL]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

The best bet is to go to Lycoming's school. Some of the things they teach are behind the times. They still recommend against LOP operation which to me is almost like believing the world is still flat. They still use silk string. They still use antiquated sealants and greases.

Treat every single article with a skeptics eye because NONE of the articles are vetted out.

If you want an exercise, rebuild a lawn mower engine. A Lycoming is really not much more complicated.

+1 - - Then if you need something done you can either do it or be knowledgeable enough to get someone who can do the job. You are not going to end up knowing what the acceptable wear patterns are on main and rod bearings, or what the ring land clearances should be and what a piston should look like when you take it out in order to identify a problem. You WILL have more confidence to do routine things and set yourself on a new path of learning.

I look forward to your Kitplanes article on the Lycoming school.

[glenn654]

Bob,

If there is a CAF chapter nearby get involved there, you can get engine repair experience every time you go.
Won't be lycomings but most of what you will learn will transfer and you'll get much more comfortable about tearing into an engine.


Glenn Wilkinson

[DanH]

Originally Posted by Ironflight

Lycoming has an engine school...I can think of at least one way that a good writer could make such a school financially efficient as well....

Very good idea. Bob could do a nice job with that.

[David-aviator]

Many years ago I worked in a shop as an apprentice thinking I wanted the mechanics license.
I quit.
Being a good aircraft mechanic takes years and years of experience, I didn't have the time being a full time pilot.
Engines are a specialty within that field. Guys like Allen Barrett know more about it than I ever will. So I rely on that kind of expertise.
Yes, it is not free. But it is worth the cost for me. If I have a problem I call BPE.

[DanBaier]

Originally Posted by rocketbob

...The best bet is to go to Lycoming's school....

Plus 1. I attended the piston engine school and the disassembly/assembly school. The first was 4 days and the second 3 days. (You can schedule back to back with a weekend in Williamsport.) It may not sound exciting, but it was excellent. And, in almost 50 years of aviation, it turned out the be the best money I ever spent - it has paid for itself many times over.

Dan

[walkman]

Originally Posted by DanBaier

... I attended the piston engine school and the disassembly/assembly school. ... It may not sound exciting,...

Dan

Blasphemer!