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How to Make Your Engine Last

Whether you operate on the rich or lean side of peak EGT, make sure you understand proper leaning technique. And know this: If you want to fly fast, you must operate rich of peak; lean of peak is for economy only. Jon Whittle
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Prioritize manufacturer recommendations for engine maintenance and operation, such as routine fuel system calibration, over informal advice from non-experts.
  • Operate engines regularly and robustly, avoiding prolonged low-power settings or starting without flying, to prevent corrosion, deposits, and maintain internal component health.
  • Apply fuel mixture strategies (Rich of Peak for speed, Lean of Peak for economy) correctly according to engine type, using all-cylinder monitoring equipment and strictly following established procedures to avoid damage.
  • Implement comprehensive monitoring and maintenance practices including engine analyzers, oil analysis, ensuring accurate gauges, regular magneto inspections, and frequent oil changes for proactive engine health.
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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.

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