Finley Atherton
Well Known Member
I plan to install an engine oil chip detector (which incorporates an oil drain valve) http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/chipdetect.php in place of the sump plug in my 0-320 at my next oil change. The operating instructions with the detector are very basic and more or less just say if the light comes on inspect the chip detector for contamination but there are no guidelines for what is excessive contamination. I would be interested to hear the experiences of anyone who has used one of these detectors. The gap between the contacts is only about 1/16” so would it possible that “normal” wear over say 50 hrs could bridge the gap with fine iron particles and give a warning light? I suppose what I am asking is, can the detector give false warnings or if the light comes on will this always mean there is a serious problem? I can imagine a scenario where I might get a false warning and spend a number of sleepless nights with a grounded aircraft, contemplating pulling a perfectly good engine apart
Fin
9A
Fin
9A
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