Trouble Shooting Guide
Trouble Shooting Guide
Trouble Shooting Guide
Reciprocating Engine
INTRODUCTION TROUBLE-SHOOTING
1. Trouble-shooting is the step-by-step procedure used to determine the cause for a given problem and then selecting the best and quickest way to solve that problem. While the use of turbochargers and automatic controllers has complicated the trouble-shooting procedures, always start by discussing the problem with the pilot and the facility management. They will assist you in narrowing the problem to as few possibilities as possible. In the case of twin engine aircraft, make sure you are working on the correct engine. After a thorough discussion and verbal analysis of the problem, you are ready to go to work. If you are an experienced mechanic, you may be able to automatically eliminate some of the probable causes. If you are new on the job, you will have to go through all of the probable causes. The important thing to remember is to always start with the simple and inexpensive things first, and then work toward the more complicated, time consuming, and expensive things later. After you have received all possible information from the pilot and the facility management, a quick observation of the external condition of the engine may give you an indication of the problem. Some areas to look at are the intake and exhaust pipes for leaks, the ignition harness, breather, and the engine compartment for excessive oil stains, gas stains or exhaust stains. More information may be gained rather quickly by doing a compression check to locate any low compression cylinders. Do a boroscope inspection to determine the condition of the combustion chamber. Some information that may be obtained is: the presence of excessive carbon deposits may indicate high oil consumption; the lack of carbon deposits may indicate continuous lean engine operation or detonation; and scratched or scored cylinder walls may indicate broken rings. More information may be compiled by removing the spark plugs to inspect the combustion chamber. NOTE Be sure to keep track of which piston pin plugs came out of which cylinder. During reassembly the piston pin plugs must be matched up with the cylinder they came out of. Another good trouble-shooting tool is the use of spectrometric oil analysis. To be effective the engine must be in the analysis program for an extended period of time to develop a useful history of periodic samples of oil that were analyzed. The program must be carried out by experienced and reputable people in the oil analysis field. 3. The following list of problems, causes, and solutions was selected because we believe it represents the more common and recurring problems encountered by mechanics when doing trouble-shooting. It should be noted that the list is general in nature, and does apply to both normally aspirated and turbocharged engines. The sequence in which the lists are arranged is not necessarily the exact step-by-step procedure to use, but should be used as a guide to determine all of the possible causes and solutions to a problem. Always keep in mind to do the simple and inexpensive things first, then proceed with the more complicated and expensive things later.
2.
CONTENTS
Page No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. HARD STARTING ................................................................................................................................................................1 - 3 ROUGH IDLE........................................................................................................................................................................3 - 4 ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE UNLESS BOOST PUMP IS ON ..............................................................................................4 - 5 ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE UNLESS BOOST PUMP IS OFF.................................................................................................. 5 POOR IDLE CUT-OFF..........................................................................................................................................................5 - 6 HIGH FUEL FLOW.................................................................................................................................................................... 6 LOW FUEL FLOW................................................................................................................................................................6 - 7 ENGINE WILL NOT TURN STATIC RPM .........................................................................................................................7 - 8 ENGINE SURGES .................................................................................................................................................................8 - 9
10. FAILURE OF ENGINE TO DEVELOP RATED POWER.................................................................................................9 - 11 11. LOSS OF POWER GOING TO ALTITUDE............................................................................................................................ 12 12. CANNOT REACH SPECIFIED CRITICAL ALTITUDE ................................................................................................13 - 15 13. LOW OIL PRESSURE.......................................................................................................................................................15 - 16 14. HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION.............................................................................................................................................16 - 17 15. HIGH CYLINDER HEAD TEMPERATURE ...................................................................................................................17 - 18 16. SPLIT IN MANIFOLD PRESSURE (TWIN ENGINE)....................................................................................................18 - 19 17. HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE.................................................................................................................................................... 19 18. HIGH MANIFOLD PRESSURE AT IDLE .............................................................................................................................. 19 19. HIGH OIL PRESSURE............................................................................................................................................................. 20 20. MANIFOLD PRESSURE FLUCTUATES ............................................................................................................................... 20 APPENDIX I TROUBLE-SHOOTING THE BENDIX RSA FUEL INJECTOR.................................................................................... 21
HARD STARTING
CAUSE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Technique. Flooded. Throttle valve open too far. Insufficient prime (may be accompanied by backfire). Magneto impulse coupling not operating properly. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. SOLUTION Refer to the Operators Manual recommended starting procedure. Clean engine. Set for approximately 800 RPM. Increase same. Remove and check for binding, or broken impulse spring. 1. 2. PROCEDURE FOR SOLUTION Solution is self-explanatory.
6.
6.
7.
7.
Check with voltmeter and replace battery, if necessary. (Be sure battery terminals are clean and tight, also check leads for condition.)
8.
8.
9.
Retard contact assembly in magneto not operating electrically. Engine may kick back during cranking.
9.
Check all connections at switch and vibrator. Adjust retard points. See appropriate Bendix Manual for procedures.
Crank engine with throttle full open and mixture in idle cut-off. 3. Solution is self-explanatory. 4. NOTE: Make sure primer is not leaking. 5. Remove magneto and check that the spring is not broken and flyweights move freely. Check torque on coupling retaining nut. If unable to locate the problem, remove coupling and check according to latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1189. 6. Remove plugs, inspect, clean, and/or replace as necessary. Visually inspect ignition harness for breaks and cracks. Test leads by removing distributor block from magneto and using a Bendix high tension lead test No. 11-8888 or 11-8888-1 or equivalent type equipment. 7. Measure voltage between vibrator terminal marked in and ground terminal while operating starter. Must be at least 8 volts on a 12 volt system, or 13 volts on a 24 volt system. 8. If voltage is okay, listen for interrupted buzzing of vibrator during starting. If no buzzing is heard, either vibrator is defective or the circuit from the output terminal on the vibrator to the retard contact assembly is open. Check both switch and retard circuit. Also check for good electrical ground. 9. Retard points may not be closing due to improper adjustment or may not have a good electrical connection in circuit. Check for good contact of switch and retard leads at magneto and vibrator. Check condition of wire. 10. Disconnect Starter and all Spark Plug Leads. Turn engine in right direction until retard points open on #1 cylinder firing position. Hold #1 plug lead approximately 3/16 in. from ground, energize vibrator by turning switch to start. Plug lead should throw a show of sparks to ground. If spark is weak or missing, replace vibrator. Also check magneto for correct internal timing. Proper duration of shower of sparks may be
12. Magneto internal timing not adjusted properly or E gap drifting because of point or follower wear.
12. Adjust magneto internal timing, or replace points if either follower or points are worn.
ROUGH IDLE
1. CAUSE Mixture is too rich or too lean. (If mixture is lean, poor acceleration may be noticed.) 1. SOLUTION Adjust idle mixture. PROCEDURE FOR SOLUTION Lean engine if mixture is too rich. Engine will smooth out and pick up RPM as it is leaned. If mixture is too lean, condition will become more aggravated as engine is leaned. Adjust for proper mixture by turning scalloped wheel at side of injector to either rich or lean condition, as indicated by arrow and letter R located on injector linkage. NOTE: After mixture is set, readjust idle speed to desired RPM, if necessary. 2. Wash in acetone or MEK, blow out with compressed air. NOTE: Flow check nozzles in containers of equal or partially plugged nozzles. (See latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1275.) 3. Solution is self-explanatory. 1.
2.
2.
3.
4. 5. 6.
Induction air leak at one of the following locations: a. Hoses and hose clamps. b. Cracked intake pipes. c. Bad gaskets. d. Loose flange bolts. e. Loose plugs in intake port of cylinders. f. Fuel drain valve not seating properly. Cracked engine mounts or defective mount bushings. Mount bushings improperly installed. Internal injector leak (usually unable to adjust injector at idle) or will not hold adjustment.
3.
Clean nozzles, inspect with magnifying glass before cleaning if contamination is found, remove same. No need to check further. NOTE; May locate problem by feeling for cold cylinder. Check previously mentioned locations and tighten or replace as necessary.
4. 5. 6.
4. 5. 6.
Solution is self-explanatory. Solution is self-explanatory. Check by disconnecting induction system at injector inlet to observe impact tubes, then put throttle in full forward position and mixture in full rich position, cap fuel line to flow divider, turn on boost pump, and if fuel is observed coming out of impact tubes, then injector has internal leak and must be replaced. Solution is self-explanatory.
7.
Fuel vaporizing in lines and distributor, (encountered only at high ambient temperatures and prolonged operation at low or idle RPM).
7.
Keep ground operation to a minimum and operate with cowl flaps in full open positions. (If necessary, operate with booster pump on.) 3
7.
9.
9.
10. Differential check cylinders to determine if further disassembly and repairs are necessary.
13. Fuel pressure too low. 14. Primer not locked or leaking.
13. Adjust to at least minimum pressure as found in Operators Manual. 14. Lock securely or replace primer if leaking.
2.
2.
5.
5.
5.
Solution is self-explanatory.
2.
Engine pump fuel pressure set too high. Booster pump pressure too high.
2.
3.
3.
Adjust fuel pressure at pump if AN type. Replace fuel pump if diaphragm type. Adjust pressure or replace pump.
3.
Solution is self-explanatory.
3.
Vapor in lines.
3.
4. 5.
Dirt in air bleed hole of nozzle. Fuel jets in nozzle improperly located.
4. 5.
Avoid prolonged ground operation at low RPM and idle. Keep nacelle as cool as possible. NOTE: Use boost pump, if necessary. Remove and clean. Replace nozzles.
3.
4. 5.
Wash in acetone or MEK and blow out with compressed air. Nozzles may be tested by fabricating a test rig as explained in latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1275. NOTE: No visual check of jets is possible.
7.
Loose fuel line at flow divider or nozzle. NOTE: Engine may be rich at idle.
7.
8.
8.
Disassemble carburetor to enable cleaning (and lapping, if necessary) the mixture valve and seat.
2. 3.
Air leak or restriction in deck pressure gage line (airframe). Injector rich.
2. 3.
Locate and repair. Replace same. Check magnetos for excessive smooth drop in RPM. Recalibrate and/or overhaul injector at an approved facility. Replace same. Replace lines.
2. 3.
4. 5.
4. 5.
4. 5.
6.
6.
Replace nozzles.
6.
7.
8.
Cracked or broken fuel injector nozzle line. NOTE: Separation may be at silver solder connection Deck pressure gage line plugged (turbocharged).
7.
7.
8.
8.
3. 4.
Faulty gage. Flow divider does not open all the way (problem may not occur at all times). Fuel line to fuel flow gage broken, loose or plugged.
3. 4.
Replace same. Disassemble, check for dirt, and drag on diaphragm stem. Also parts may be lapped together to insure free operation. Repair or replace line.
3. 4.
5.
5.
5.
6.
6.
7.
7.
Increase fuel pump pressure to limits in Operators Manual and also check for leaks. Replace with correct gasket.
6.
7.
Step-by-step procedure for inspection and repair of this problem are found in latest revisions of Lycoming Service Bulletin No. 382 or Bendix Service Bulletin No. RS 43.
2.
2.
2.
3. 4. 5.
Propeller out of adjustment (low pitch). Governor linkage not adjusted properly. Crankshaft to camshaft timing off.
3. 4. 5.
Adjust same. Adjust for full travel. Remove accessory housing and time correctly.
3. 4. 5.
Run engine at a known power setting, full rich. Observe fuel flow and compare to fuel requirements as found in Operators Manual. Lean injector. If too rich engine will pick up RPM and run smooth. If injector is too lean, engine will be more aggravated. Solution is self-explanatory. Solution is self-explanatory. This condition may be checked by first disconnecting starter. Remove top spark plugs and rocker box cover on #2 cylinder. Turn engine to T.D.C. on compression stroke on #1 cylinder, observe that when piston in #1 cylinder goes over T.D.C. on compression, the intake valve in #2 cylinder is just starting to open and the exhaust is just closing. If this condition does not exist, the crankshaft to camshaft timing is off.
7.
7.
Replace at regular intervals. Time between filter changes will depend on operating conditions of individual aircraft.
8.
8.
9. Incorrect magneto to engine timing. 10. Fouled spark plugs. 11. Tachometer reading is incorrect.
9. Check and adjust as necessary. 10. Remove and clean or replace as necessary. 11. Have tachometer repaired or replace same.
ENGINE SURGES
1. CAUSE Injector nozzles dirty. 1. SOLUTION Remove and clean. PROCEDURE FOR SOLUTION Clean by flushing in acetone or MEK and blow out with compressed air. 2. Solution is self-explanatory. 3. Engine will usually bleed air out of actuator and control system by running. If this does not work, loosen lines and bleed system. 4. Solution is self-explanatory. 1. 5. Check all hose connections, O rings, tubing and hoses for breaks or loose connections. NOTE: Check Part Number of governor to be sure that a worn governor was not installed. Erratic oil pressure may be traced to the fact that pump may be sucking air. On TIO and TIGO-541 engines inspect O rings on inlet and outlet of pump, also high pressure oil relief at pump may be defective.
2. 3.
2. 3.
4. 5.
Breather plugged. Injector nozzle pressure reference system leaking (turbocharged). Incorrect propeller governor.
4. 5.
6.
6.
Replace governor.
6.
7.
7.
7.
8.
8.
9. Repair or replace carburetor. 10. Free wastegate butterfly with a corrosion penetrant or replace same.
2.
2.
2.
3.
3.
3.
4.
Improper fuel.
4.
4.
5.
5.
Adjust same.
5.
7. 8.
Throttle lever not properly adjusted. Excessive dirt build-up in compressor housing or on compressor wheel (turbocharged).
7. 8.
9.
Kinked or restricted oil lines from engine to actuator, and actuator to controller. 10. Wastegate out of adjustment (turbocharged).
9.
10. The wastegate is adjusted to full closed position first, then full open. To adjust full closed, cap off outlet of actuator and apply 50 to 60 lbs. oil pressure to inlet. When oil pressure closes wastegate, measure clearance between butterfly and housing. If adjustment is improper, disconnect linkage and lengthen or shorten as required. After full closed adjustment is correct, set full open by disconnecting oil supply and allowing spring in actuator to open wastegate. Again, measure clearance between butterfly and housing. If adjustment is improper, loosen jam nut at end of cylinder and turn adjustment rod in or out as required to obtain proper full open setting, then retighten jam nut. 11. NOTE: If orifice is plugged tight, it may be necessary to remove cylinder from actuator in order to be able to clean orifice. 12. Wastegate butterfly may be freed by removing from engine, and using a wrench on the butterfly shaft. Rotate back and forth until all corrosion is removed and butterfly moves freely. This operation may be aided by using a corrosion penetrant to help loosen butterfly. One penetrant used by some people in the field is mouse milk, manufactured by Worldwide Aircraft Filter Corp., 1685 Abram Ct., San Leandro CA 94577. This penetrant could be used at each 25hour inspection as a preventative measure. A little at each end of the shaft may help keep shaft from binding.
10
15. Injector and controller linkage not adjusted properly (541 series engine).
15. Adjust as per latest revision to Service Instruction No. 1211 to get full travel on both controller and injector.
17. Do a differential compression check and borescope inspection to locate excessively leaking valves, valve guides or rings and to locate any broken rings. 18. Replace wastegate. 19. Remove accessory housing and correct timing.
18. Solution is self-explanatory. 19. This condition may be checked by first disconnecting starter, remove top spark plugs and rocker box cover on #2 cylinder. Turn engine to T.D.C. on compression stroke on #1 cylinder, observe that when piston in #1 cylinder goes over T.D.C. on compression the intake valve in #2 cylinder is just starting to open and the exhaust valve is just closing. If this condition does not exist, the crankshaft to camshaft timing is off. NOTE: On engines with fixed pitch propellers the engine probably will not turn static R.P.M. On engines with constant speed propellers the engine will probably turn up static R.P.M. but manifold pressure will be a little low.
11
1.
1.
2.
2.
Replace controller.
3. 4.
Oil line to actuator inlet kinked or blocked. Actuator piston seal failed and leaking excessively.
3. 4.
Remove line. Clean or replace and eliminate kinked condition. Disassemble, clean cylinder, and replace seal.
5.
5.
5.
6.
Poor combustion.
6.
7. 8. 9.
Binding turbocharger. Lean injector. Differential pressure controller lines hooked up improperly.
7. 8. 9.
Do a differential compression check and borescope inspection to locate excessively leaking valves, valve guides or rings and to locate any broken rings. Overhaul or replace turbocharger. Replace injector or recalibrate or overhaul at approved facility. Attach controller sensing lines to proper locations.
6.
7. 8. 9.
Solution is self-explanatory. Solution is self-explanatory. One side of differential controller diaphragm senses deck pressure and the other side senses manifold pressure.
12
3.
3.
Adjust for full travel. If butterfly is sticking, work free and apply corrosion penetrant. If actuator seal is leaking, disassemble, clean cylinder and replace seal.
3.
4.
4.
5.
6.
Suck-open door on compressor discharge housing not fully closed or door gasket damaged (TIO-540 engines). Faulty controller.
5.
Replace or overhaul turbocharger. NOTE: Spin turbine by hand to check for free rotation Adjust magnet so door closes properly. Replace gasket.
4.
5.
6.
Repair or replace.
6.
13
7.
7.
Adjust same.
8.
8.
Adjust oil pressure to specifications found in Operators Manual. Check for links or restrictions in actuator supply line.
9.
9.
Replace turbocharger.
14
3. 4.
Dirt or metal chips under oil pressure relief valve. Damaged oil pressure relief seat.
3. 4.
4.
5.
5.
Check all areas that involve lube system and lube oil cooling system.
5.
6.
6.
7.
7.
Remove and clean oil suction screen and oil passage to inlet side of oil pump, if necessary. Check the following areas for excessive oil flow and repair or replace. (a) Loose or missing plugs in oil galley. (b) Piston cooling squirts blocked open. NOTE: Low oil pressure usually occurs at low or idle RPM. (c) Excessive bearing clearance. (d) Cracked crankcase in area of oil galley. 15
6.
7.
Solution is self-explanatory.
9.
9.
9.
Solution is self-explanatory.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Replace same.
4.
4.
Remove cylinders and deglaze barrels, replace with new piston rings.
16
6. 7.
8.
9.
Inspect external of engine for leaks and repair same. 7. Insure that oil filler cap is on tight and oil access door closes properly. Also be sure that the breather hose is cut properly and located so there is no change of siphoning oil from engine. 8. When using oil control ring with corrugated type expander, make sure ends of expander are butted together not overlapped. When using oil control ring with spiral wound type expander, ring design is such that improper assembly is not likely. 9. Maintain oil at manufacturers recommended level. 10. Overhaul or replace turbocharger.
6.
8.
Solution is self-explanatory.
9.
Solution is self-explanatory.
10. NOTE: On engines where the lubricating oil to the turbocharger is returned to the crankcase by gravity drain, inspect the crankcase breather line to be sure it is not plugged. If it is, this will cause high crankcase pressure and not allow the oil to return to the crankcase freely and eventually push the oil past the turbocharger seals into the compressor and turbine section of the turbocharger.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
4.
NOTE: Primer lines have same threaded connections are fuel lines but are of much smaller I.D. NOTE: The only exception to this rule is the IO-540-E1B5 used in the Aero Commander 500S. This engine uses primer lines for fuel lines and they are .060 in. I.D.
17
6.
6.
7.
7.
3.
3.
3.
4.
4.
4.
5.
5.
5.
18
3.
3.
3.
4. 5.
6.
Oil cooler or lines plugged or partially plugged. Thermostatic bypass valve not operating properly or seating squarely. Excessive blow by.
4. 5.
Remove cooler and lines and flush out. Replace thermostatic bypass valve.
4. 5.
NOTE: Consult latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1014 for proper grades and weight of oils used in Lycoming engines. Solution is self-explanatory. NOTE: If valve is not seating properly, the filter base may have to be replaced. NOTE: To locate exactly where the blow by is originating from , do a differential compression check as described in latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1191. Solution is self-explanatory.
6.
(Do a top overhaul.) This condition usually caused by worn or stuck rings.
6.
7.
7.
Replace same.
7.
2. 3.
2. 3.
2. 3.
4.
4.
4.
19
2.
2.
3.
3.
Use the suggested weight of oil for the ambient temperature in which the engine is being operated. Remove blockage from oil passage.
4. 5.
Incorrect pressure relief spring being used. Relocating the oil pressure take-off point on the engine.
4. 5.
Replace with correct pressure relief spring. Use only the oil pressure take-off point on engine approved by manufacturer. Allow oil temperature to increase before increasing throttle.
6.
6.
6.
2.
3.
4.
Oil sump baffle modification required. Models affected, TIO-540A, -S1AD, -T2AD, -AA1B5, -AE2A; (L)TIO-540-F2BD, -J, -N2BD, -R2AD, -U2A. Oil in fitting on differential pressure controller not restricted. Models affected, TIO-540-A, -F, -J; LTIO540-F, -J Linkage from fuel injector to controller not rigged properly. (TIO and TIGO-541 series engines only.)
2.
2.
3.
3.
Solution is self-explanatory.
4.
Procedures for properly rigging linkage is found in latest revision of Service Instruction No. 1211.
4.
Solution is self-explanatory.
20
There are some sections of the Bendix fuel injector that a mechanic may not work on in the field, such as the regulator section which consists of the air and fuel diaphragm and associated parts. Any modification of the regulator section by a mechanic without the use of a flow bench could result in a change in fuel flow through the injector. However, there are some things that a mechanic may do that will not affect the operation of the fuel injector. In the following paragraphs we would like to discuss some of the things that a mechanic can do, and some procedures a mechanic can use to determine if the problem is in the fuel injector or an associated part, i.e. flow divider, fuel nozzles, fuel lines, etc. Whenever a fuel injector problem arises, the first thing a mechanic should do before he removes the injector or any part of it, is to make sure the rigging is correct, and that the throttle and mixture controls are both traveling to their full open and full closed stops; and make sure there are no fuel leaks. Another important item to consider is Do you get a rise of 25 to 50 RPM at idle when the mixture control is moved from full rich to idle cut-off? If you are experiencing poor acceleration of the engine, this may be the problem. To adjust the idle mixture, turn the scalloped wheel at the side of the injector either rich or lean, as required, until the desired rise in RPM is reached. When adjusting the idle mixture, you will have to adjust the idle RPM too. A good idle RPM is around 600 to 650 RPM. We would like to make everyone aware that there is a filter screen at the fuel inlet to the injector. This screen should be removed and cleaned at 100 hour inspection. Some cleaning solvents that can be used are methyl-ethyl-ketone or acetone. It is also permissible to use a sonic cleaner. After the screen has been cleaned, blow it out with compressed air. When removing the screen from the fuel injector, always take it from the same side of the injector to which the fuel line is attached. This is to prevent depositing any dirt back in the fuel injector that might have bee picked up in the screen. On early injectors, the screen is attached to the inlet adapter, so it can only be removed from that side. On later model injectors the screen is spring loaded to provide a fuel bypass in case it becomes plugged. This type of screen can be removed from either side. If you are experiencing a rough shut-down and the engine does not want to quit when the mixture control is retarded, it may be because there is a score on either the mixture control jet or rotating plate, or a bad O ring on the jet. Prior to disassembly of the fuel injector, a test can be run to see if this is the problem area. Disconnect the fuel line coming out of the fuel injector and leave the fitting open. Pull the mixture control and throttle all the way back (off) and turn on the booster pump. If any fuel is observed coming out of the open fitting, there is a score on the mixture control jet, or rotating plate, or the O ring is damaged or deformed. The repair is to remove the mixture control assembly and eliminate the scores by lapping the mixture control jet and rotating plate on a good lap plate using a mild abrasive. The final repair should be done by lapping the jet and plate together, using Bon-Ami or equivalent type abrasive. After this is accomplished, clean and reassemble the parts using a new O ring each time. If no fuel is observed coming out of the open fitting on the injector when the test is performed, the mixture control assembly is working correctly and other causes should be looked at. Some things to consider are the fuel injector nozzles. If the air bleed hole becomes plugged, the engine will not shut down smoothly. On normally aspirated engines, there is a screen covering the air bleed hole which makes a visual inspection impossible. Therefore, you must remove the nozzles from the engine and clean them thoroughly and blow them out with compressed air. If this does not solve the problem, then there may be a nozzle that is improperly assembled, or the only other solution is to replace the nozzles. On turbocharged engines, the air bleed hole is shrouded and vented back to the compressor discharge pressure deck pressure. Inspect these lines and fittings to make sure they are free of dirt, leaks or obstructions. After the shroud is removed from the nozzle, it can be removed from the cylinder, cleaned thoroughly and blown out with compressed air. NOTE When any nozzle that is installed horizontally is reassembled into a cylinder, make sure that the letter A that is stamped on the hex portion of the nozzle is pointing down; this positions the air bleed hole up, and the correct torque valve is applied at 60 in.-lbs.
21
APPENDIX I (CONT.) Another area to consider would be an internal leak in the fuel injector body seal. All of the fuel that is delivered to the engine should go through the individual fuel lines to the nozzles and on into the combustion chamber. If there is an internal leak in the injector, there will also be fuel entering the injector at the throat, and going to the cylinder much like a carbureted engine. If a center body seal is suspected of leaking, there is a brief test that can be run. First, remove enough of the induction system to enable one to see the impact tubes on the fuel injector. Then disconnect the fuel line from the fuel injector to the flow divider and cap off the fitting in the fuel injector. Move the controls to the full throttle and full rich position and turn on the booster pump. If any fuel is observed coming out of the impact tubes of the injector, this indicates that there is a center body seal leaking. Since this is part of the regulator system the mechanic may not make the necessary repairs, but must remove the injector from the engine and send it to an overhaul facility for reconditioning and recalibration. In addition to a rough shut-down, the engine may display some other symptoms that may indicate that there is a center body seal leak. Some of these indicators are: The engine is rich at idle and low power settings, or the pilot has to retard the mixture control upon flare-out and landing to prevent the engine from becoming too rich and stopping, or if the mechanic has to adjust the idle mixture lean every few days or weeks because it has drifted rich. Each of these symptoms indicates a drift to the rich side and may be a warning of an internal leak in the injector. Another area where problems may be encountered in the fuel injector is the possibility of scores on the main meter jet and rotating plate assembly. Any scores in this area may be removed by lapping the main meter jet and rotating plate on a good lap plate using a mild abrasive. The final repair should be made by lapping the jet and plate together. When all scores are removed, clean thoroughly and reassemble the injector. Any indication that the main meter jet is scored would be a rich idle mixture, and by adjusting the mixture control lean, the mechanic could get a satisfactory idle, but when the engine was accelerated, it would stumble and not accelerate smoothly. If there is any occasion when the fuel injector idle mixture adjusting wheel has been turned to its limit, either rich or lean, and the idle is not satisfactory, the linkage between the air valve and the fuel valve on the injector may be removed and the idle mixture adjusting wheel positioned back to the center of its travel. Prior to removing the linkage from the injector, measure the overall length of the linkage. This must be the same after repositioning the wheel back on center as it was before removing it from the injector. After the length of the linkage has been established, adjust the wheel back to center of travel by backing one end of the linkage assembly out half the distance and adjusting the other end of the linkage in until you have the same overall length you had prior to removing it from the injector. After the linkage is adjusted, assemble the injector, making sure to install the pins, wave washers and cotter keys correctly. Other items in the fuel injection system that could be a source of trouble are the flow divider, fuel lines and injector nozzles. If you suspect that the flow divider valve is sticking, remove the flow divider from the engine and disassemble it. The valve can be freed by polishing the valve and bore together using a mild abrasive. Do not interchange flow divider parts because they are a matched assembly. After the valve is operating freely, clean thoroughly and reassemble the flow divider. NOTE Also reference the latest revision of Lycoming Service Bulletin No. 382 or Bendix Bulletin No. RS43 for latest modification to flow dividers. If the fuel flow gage suddenly shows an increase in flow, the first thing to do is check for a plugged or partially plugged fuel nozzle. The procedure for doing this is as follows: Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the nozzles from the cylinders. Then attach the nozzles to the fuel lines and direct the nozzles into bottles of equal size. Baby food or coke bottles work very well. Move the throttle and mixture controls full forward and turn on the booster pump. Fill the bottles approximately one-half full. Turn off the booster pump and retard the throttle and mixture. Remove the bottles from the engine and set them on a table or other flat surface. A visual check of the fuel contents in the bottles will tell you which nozzle is plugged. NOTE While flowing fuel into the bottles, check each nozzle to make sure all of the fuel is coming out of the discharger end of the nozzle in a solid stream approximately the size of the lead in a mechanical pencil and not some fuel coming out of the air bleed hole.
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APPENDIX I (CONT.) After locating the plugged nozzle, it can be cleaned in methyl-ethyl-ketone or acetone and blown out with compressed air. If a thorough cleaning fails to remove the dirt, the nozzle will have to be replaced. Prior to replacing the nozzle, check the fuel line to be sure that a primer line is being used for a fuel line. Primer lines are smaller on the inside diameter, and will give a false reading on the fuel flow gage. Also check the flow divider for obstructions. NOTE When cleaning fuel nozzles, fuel lines or flow dividers, never use a small drill or a piece of wire.
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REALIZING THE WEALTH OF INFORMATION IN THE FIELD, WE WELCOME ANY AND ALL COMMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO THIS GUIDE. THIS BOOKLET IS MADE TO HELP ALL SERVICE PERSONNEL AND MECHANICS. THE MORE COMPLETE WE MAKE IT, THE MORE HELPFUL IT WILL BE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND HOPE TO MAKE ANY LATER EDITION BIGGER AND BETTER. PLEASE ADDRESS YOUR COMMENTS TO: