I have a new IO-360B1b from AeroSport Power that was built up using ECI components. I still have a few questions regarding engine break-in after reading the ECI break-in instruction manual, a few past VAF posts from Mahlon Russell, and a Lycoming Service Instruction on Pre-oiling.
Dumb stuff first: It is advised to use mineral oil for break-in. Why? How does it differ from a standard aviation grade petroleum based oil? I note that the ECI break-in instructions recommend Phillips SAE20W-50 oil for break-in AND ALL SUBSEQUENT OPERATION and state that it is "100% mineral" - see http://www.eci2fly.com/pages/tech.aspx#breakin. The picture of the product is small (pg 13), but I dont see anything screaming out "Mineral Oil" on the label. How do I identify mineral oil?
I would like to have the thrill of doing the first flight on my RV-7A. It makes sense to me to do some taxi-testing with the plane prior to the first flight, but I am concerned by the numerous engine break-in admonitions to keep the ground runs to a minimum, working up to a maximum of only several minutes of running at any one time. That doesnt give one much opportunity for taxi testing! How did you smart folks balance these conflicting needs out?
Lastly, I was shocked to see the following in the ECI instructions: "...we do not recommend cycling the propeller untiil approximately 10 minutes of flight time have been accumulated." Huh? Are they serious? Im just supposed to take off on my first flight without verifying I have pitch control on my propeller?
Thanks for any insights you may have to offer regarding these issues
erich weaver
Dumb stuff first: It is advised to use mineral oil for break-in. Why? How does it differ from a standard aviation grade petroleum based oil? I note that the ECI break-in instructions recommend Phillips SAE20W-50 oil for break-in AND ALL SUBSEQUENT OPERATION and state that it is "100% mineral" - see http://www.eci2fly.com/pages/tech.aspx#breakin. The picture of the product is small (pg 13), but I dont see anything screaming out "Mineral Oil" on the label. How do I identify mineral oil?
I would like to have the thrill of doing the first flight on my RV-7A. It makes sense to me to do some taxi-testing with the plane prior to the first flight, but I am concerned by the numerous engine break-in admonitions to keep the ground runs to a minimum, working up to a maximum of only several minutes of running at any one time. That doesnt give one much opportunity for taxi testing! How did you smart folks balance these conflicting needs out?
Lastly, I was shocked to see the following in the ECI instructions: "...we do not recommend cycling the propeller untiil approximately 10 minutes of flight time have been accumulated." Huh? Are they serious? Im just supposed to take off on my first flight without verifying I have pitch control on my propeller?
Thanks for any insights you may have to offer regarding these issues
erich weaver
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