Continental Motors Issues Voluntary Recall of Cylinders

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 9,600 cylinders installed on 470, 520, and 550 series engines since November 2007.
  • The recall is in response to 36 reported incidents of head casting cracks occurring after more than 400 hours in service.
  • TCM has released Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB09-1 to identify affected cylinders and initiate replacement procedures, with new cylinders and dedicated support provided.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Operators of Teledyne Continental engines in the 470, 520 and 550 series who have installed new cylinders since November 2007 are facing a manufacturer’s voluntary recall of those cylinders. TCM expects to replace some 9,600 of the cylinders, after 36 of them developed cracks in the head castings. The compromised cylinders all had more than 400 hours in service. The company has issued a mandatory service bulletin (MSB09-1) to owners to identify affected cylinders and launch replacement procedures. The cylinders are installed on some new engines and also some existing engines during full engine rebuilds or top overhauls. New cylinders will be supplied by Continental, which has established dedicated service phone numbers (U.S.: 888/200-7565; International: 251/436-8665) and a website management center at tcmlink.com/cylinders.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE