DavidHarris
Well Known Member
For the second time in 140 hours of engine operation, I've observed an oil leak that appears to be coming from the #1 pushrod tube seal of my Superior XP-IO360 engine in my Vans RV7A.
I observed a line of oil on the right cooling air inlet baffle, and another line on the top cowling baffle. I also observed a moderate amount of oil on the #1 pushrod tube, especially near the seal, and a fine mist of oil over many parts of the right half of the engine.
After the first leak, I pushed on the seal with my fingers to make sure it seemed to be seated evenly, and kept it under observation. The second leak occurred after the aircraft had been sitting out on a cold ramp for several days. The amount of oil loss is not significant, but it's a hassle to clean and might be advanced warning of a bigger leak.
Is there any leak source other than the pushrod tube seal that would result in this distribution of oil predominantly on the pushrod tube.
How difficult is it to replace this pushrod tube seal? I built the airplane but have no great knowledge of engines. Is this a low-risk job I can do myself, or something where I'm better off doing a warranty claim and taking it to a shop.
Thank you for any insights.
David
I observed a line of oil on the right cooling air inlet baffle, and another line on the top cowling baffle. I also observed a moderate amount of oil on the #1 pushrod tube, especially near the seal, and a fine mist of oil over many parts of the right half of the engine.
After the first leak, I pushed on the seal with my fingers to make sure it seemed to be seated evenly, and kept it under observation. The second leak occurred after the aircraft had been sitting out on a cold ramp for several days. The amount of oil loss is not significant, but it's a hassle to clean and might be advanced warning of a bigger leak.
Is there any leak source other than the pushrod tube seal that would result in this distribution of oil predominantly on the pushrod tube.
How difficult is it to replace this pushrod tube seal? I built the airplane but have no great knowledge of engines. Is this a low-risk job I can do myself, or something where I'm better off doing a warranty claim and taking it to a shop.
Thank you for any insights.
David