If you want to ensure your engine has the best chances of reaching TBO and beyond, here’s advice that could end up saving you big time: Stop listening to all the supposed “experts” in airport coffee shops and online forums who claim they know it all. There’s a good chance they don’t — and the wisdom they spout could be the polar opposite of how you should be caring for one of your biggest aviation-related investments and the one piece of equipment you literally can’t afford to have fail at the wrong time.
How to Make Your Engine Last
Key Takeaways:
- Strictly adhere to manufacturer recommendations for engine maintenance and operation, rather than relying on informal advice from "experts" in forums or coffee shops.
- Ensure engines are run regularly and hard (e.g., in the 75% power range for new engines), as prolonged inactivity or consistent low-power operation can lead to corrosion, cylinder glazing, and other damage.
- Perform critical maintenance, including routine fuel system calibration, informed mixture leaning (ROP/LOP) with proper monitoring tools, regular oil changes, and inspections of magnetos and gauges, to prevent component wear and catch issues early.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
