MrNomad
Well Known Member
One of the cylinders in our Continental O-200 cracked at the exhaust valve. While this is not an RV, I'm asking for some opinions from the experienced mechanics to help guide the solution.
The O-200 engine has 800 hours since TBO. Until recently, it ran great and is used frequently. Three cylinders consistently read 72-74 lbs during leakdown tests. We identified the leaking valve when cylinder #4 read only 60 lbs during the leakdown performed at annual.
Question: Putting cost aside, is it ok to replace only one jug, piston & rings or do we replace all 4 jugs? One side says there will be a possible lack of balance & compression between #4 and 1, 2, & 3 but others say that given the low speed of airplane engines (2700 rpm) versus car engines, not to worry.
If we simply replace #4 with new a Millenium, other than "feel" additional vibration, is there another way to determine if this decision was wise?
Comments please.
The O-200 engine has 800 hours since TBO. Until recently, it ran great and is used frequently. Three cylinders consistently read 72-74 lbs during leakdown tests. We identified the leaking valve when cylinder #4 read only 60 lbs during the leakdown performed at annual.
Question: Putting cost aside, is it ok to replace only one jug, piston & rings or do we replace all 4 jugs? One side says there will be a possible lack of balance & compression between #4 and 1, 2, & 3 but others say that given the low speed of airplane engines (2700 rpm) versus car engines, not to worry.
If we simply replace #4 with new a Millenium, other than "feel" additional vibration, is there another way to determine if this decision was wise?
Comments please.