Maybe I need a top overhaul?

[tom paul]

What power settings do you run the engine at in cruise?
What oil level do you try to keep it at?

I run at 25 squared by default, but at higher altitudes, WOT, which is often less than 25 MP, and maybe 2,300-2,400 rpm. I consider 6 quarts to be "full"

 

[RV-9erA]

Hi All,
I am having some concerning issues with my engine. Titan IO-360-A4H1N.
It goes through about a quart every 2-3 hours of flight, and the oil turns black within an hour of operation after an oil change. I spoke with Steve Fowler today, at America's Aircraft Engines, where the engine was built in 2010, and he says it sounds like a serious issue that needs attention right away, like maybe a top overhaul. It has been like this for a while, and it runs like a top. Occasionally oil pressure dips to 59-60, but it is usually in the 70's. The engine runs great, starts hot or cold every time on two revolutions max, and never misses a beat. I also spoke with Amanda, a senior analyst at Blackstone today about my recent sample. She says while the numbers look good, relative to a 24 hour average time between changes, but since this oil has only 7 hours on it, and during that time, 3 or 4 quarts have been added, she said the sample is quite diluted and therefor, the numbers may be actually a bit on the high side.

I am writing to get thoughts on how to proceed. The engine has about 1280 hours on it and it runs great. The compressions are in the low to mid 70's. Last June annual borescope: The cylinders all but one have decent crosshatching still, but one doesn't. Valves look pretty good.

I know an overhaul is $35k with new cylinders. I don't know what a top overhaul costs or if that makes sense. With the amount that I fly, it would take me at least ten years to get to 2,000 hours.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Tom

Just out of curiosity, what oil brand, type and additives has the engine been running on?

 

[tom paul]

Just out of curiosity, what oil brand, type and additives has the engine been running on?

I use aeroshell w100 plus and cam guard.

 

[tom paul]

Update: I haven't been able to fly much since the oil control ring flush procedure, but I did about 1.5 hours the other day. I am thrilled to report that the oil is NOT BLACK and it hasn't been significantly consumed after that much flying, which is not what would have been the case prior to the oil control ring flush. I had been contemplating a top overhaul, based on my oil usage and blackened oil, but now I feel much better about it! Thanks Mike Busch!!!

 

[JonJay]

Update: I haven't been able to fly much since the oil control ring flush procedure, but I did about 1.5 hours the other day. I am thrilled to report that the oil is NOT BLACK and it hasn't been significantly consumed after that much flying, which is not what would have been the case prior to the oil control ring flush. I had been contemplating a top overhaul, based on my oil usage and blackened oil, but now I feel much better about it! Thanks Mike Busch!!!

Coincidently, I have just over two hours after the flush. My results are great. It worked for me as well.