Is it okay for plane to sit for a few weeks?

SwimmingDragonfly96 · #1 03-10-2023, 12:12 PM

Due to weather and travel, I don’t think I’ll be able to fly my new to me 7a for about 3 weeks total (one week in now). I know planes sit for months to years sometimes and their motor is fine, while others in similar conditions will develop problems.

I could go over to the hangar and ground taxi it for some minutes to get everything flowing, but I’ve heard this doesn’t do much to help the motor. What are your opinions? Should I let it sit or go taxi it for a bit?

Mel · #2 03-10-2023, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwimmingDragonfly96

Due to weather and travel, I don’t think I’ll be able to fly my new to me 7a for about 3 weeks total (one week in now). I know planes sit for months to years sometimes and their motor is fine, while others in similar conditions will develop problems.
I could go over to the hangar and ground taxi it for some minutes to get everything flowing, but I’ve heard this doesn’t do much to help the motor. What are your opinions? Should I let it sit or go taxi it for a bit?

If you can't fly it, don't start it or turn the prop. The cooling system is designed for flight. Ground running does not distribute the cooling air properly.

MacCool · #3 03-10-2023, 12:38 PM

Especially in the winter here, airplanes sit for longer than that. In the hangar, I keep mine on a float charger and a crankcase dehydrator 24/7/365. No good data that that device has any contribution to making it to TBO, but think that the theory is sound, and I haven't has a single catastrophic engine failure in the two years I've been using it.

Freemasm · #4 03-10-2023, 12:51 PM

Ground running (or any running) puts combustion byproducts including water into the oil. Short runs without getting oil temps up to operating temps make it worse so don't. Turning to prop by hand to a different cylinder (old logic) will spread out the bad effects of exposure to all cylinders. Now we've realized it takes any remaining oil film off of the cam so don't do that either.

You live in Fog City near the ocean. It's not Florida bad like me but it's bad enough.

If you don't use Camguard, I'd start.
If you can block (won't use the word seal) the exhaust and air intakes, I would.
If you have the energy to make or cash to buy an engine dehydrator, I'd consider it.

Lots of related threads here on VAF. You'll get lots of opinions. Protect this investment. It's not like the economy or markets are protecting your other ones these days.

- Poindexter - · #5 03-11-2023, 08:03 AM

If you’re still up at Gnoss, I’d be happy to stop by and fly it. I’m up there a couple times a week.

abwaldal@gmail.com · #6 03-11-2023, 09:43 AM

Short answer is no it is not a good idea. Problem with sitting is it can turn into months. If it's in a hangar not to big deal.
A guy across the taxi way from me just replaced his 0-360 because it ate the cam up. Oh he flies quite a bit also.
I have personal experience with cam replacement, because of not flying a Lycoming and an IO-520 continental engine.
Life got in the way and rust got to the cams.
It was an expensive lesson, But I have learned and now I go forth with experience as my guide.
All that said, I bought an RV-6A 0-360 400 hours a few years ago that I knew has not been flying for God only knows how long off a ramp in Arlington Washington for a cheap enough price (to replace the engine)
I has been fine after 200 hours (oil testing clean)
Your luck may not be as good as mine. Art

SwimmingDragonfly96 · #7 03-11-2023, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by - Poindexter -

If you’re still up at Gnoss, I’d be happy to stop by and fly it. I’m up there a couple times a week.

Hey! Appreciate that but it’s over at KLVK now. Thanks for the offer!

SwimmingDragonfly96 · #8 03-11-2023, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abwaldal@gmail.com

Short answer is no it is not a good idea. Problem with sitting is it can turn into months. If it's in a hangar not to big deal.
A guy across the taxi way from me just replaced his 0-360 because it ate the cam up. Oh he flies quite a bit also.
I have personal experience with cam replacement, because of not flying a Lycoming and an IO-520 continental engine.
Life got in the way and rust got to the cams.
It was an expensive lesson, But I have learned and now I go forth with experience as my guide.
All that said, I bought an RV-6A 0-360 400 hours a few years ago that I knew has not been flying for God only knows how long off a ramp in Arlington Washington for a cheap enough price (to replace the engine)
I has been fine after 200 hours (oil testing clean)
Your luck may not be as good as mine. Art

Thanks for the advice. Definitely not sitting for more than a few weeks unless the weather doesn’t let up.

jrs14855 · #9 03-11-2023, 11:52 AM

Local Cessna fatal with cam failure and broken rings in two cylinders. Pilot failed to perform the first item on the emergency checklist: FLY THE AIRPLANE.
Lycoming 360, had cam replaced and then sat for a LONG TIME.

SwimmingDragonfly96 · #10 03-11-2023, 12:04 PM

Is there anything about aircraft pistol engines that make them any different than automobile engines in regards to corrosion while sitting? I’ve had cars and motorcycles sit around for quite some time and fire right up as long as the battery was charged (and carbs weren’t gummed up on motorcycles).

Another question, does 100LL prevent gumming up of gas that’s seen in carbs of motorcycles that use auto gas? I see a lot of posts about corrosion, but never see anyone posting about cleaning gummed up carbs, etc.

Thanks VAF brain trust.