Question for engine ground run during lockdown

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astaib
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Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by astaib »

Dear all,

I hope that you, your family, friends are safe in this incredible page of our history.

I want to ask you what you recommend for our engines during the lockdown that we have in France. All flights are forbidden and we cannot make our engine run in flight.
The government just authorized a monthly session of 20 minutes to run the engines on the ground only.

So what is the best for our situation?

I flew my plane last time on the 15/03 and it seems that the lockdown will last minimum till may the 1st or later...
My engine is a IO360M1A, lyco operated with Cam Guard and aeroshell 15W50.

Thank you for your recommendations

Arnaud.
Arnaud
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Rich
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Rich »

The conventional wisdom is that short ground runs like you're allowed do more harm than good. Lycoming recommends a rather involved "pickling" procedure for this situation. I would do nothing, especially since you (and I) use Camguard. I've had several periods in recent years where the plane sat for a month or two in the hangar due to weather (including frozen-shut hangar doors :tap: ). The engine still checks out healthy at each oil change (including oil analysis) and at annual. It starts like a dream and climbs like a missile.
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Antoine »

My experience is similar / these engines are extremely robust and unless you are near the sea I would not worry / leave it alone.
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Steve
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Steve »

I agree with Rich and Antoine. I have had several periods of extended (1.5-2 months) non-use over the past 19 years, and during my recent engine tear down, there was absolutely no corrosion anywhere. The camshaft and tappets, in particular, appeared new.
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by gordsh »

Hmmmm, what do you suggest for a engine that has not been started since last November?
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Steve
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Steve »

Shawn: I think that since November qualifies as a prolonged period of inactivity. This is what oncoming says:

https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/ ... 0Start.pdf

Steve
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Tom-B
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Tom-B »

I too have been taught that the ground run up does more harm than good.

I bought my 2002 DA40 knowing that it had not flown more than 15 hours a year for the preceding five years and that I most likely would end up overhauling or replacing the engine once I started to see the effects of this lack of operation. Well, after 160 hours of ownership and oil changes and analysis every 25 hours the Lycoming continues to get great marks from Blackstone Labs and my experience behind it. So while it pains me not to be properly exercising my aircraft, I take solace that it has had far longer periods between good workouts and is still performing admirably. I too am happy I also started using CamGuard.
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by gordsh »

Steve wrote: Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:55 pm Shawn: I think that since November qualifies as a prolonged period of inactivity. This is what oncoming says:

https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/ ... 0Start.pdf

Steve
Thank you Steve. Does CamGuard allow you to park the engine for a long time without pickling?
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Steve
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Steve »

gordsh wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2020 2:38 am Thank you Steve. Does CamGuard allow you to park the engine for a long time without pickling?
I don't know. I have used Exxon Elite in my engine since new, and one of their selling points was that their additive package provided the same protection as Camguard. I may start using Camguard when my stash of Exxon runs out in a couple of years...

Steve
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Re: Question for engine ground run during lockdown

Post by Davestation »

gordsh wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2020 2:38 am
Steve wrote: Fri Apr 03, 2020 7:55 pm Shawn: I think that since November qualifies as a prolonged period of inactivity. This is what oncoming says:

https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/ ... 0Start.pdf

Steve
Thank you Steve. Does CamGuard allow you to park the engine for a long time without pickling?

"Allow" is a strong word. They do make claims relevant to your situation though:
CamGuard Aviation contains powerful multi-metal corrosion inhibitors that prevent rust and corrosion in infrequently used engines. Infrequent engine use can lead to rust pits forming on cam and lifter surfaces.

CamGuard Aviation prevents scuffing wear from “dry starts” by maintaining an active lubricant film on critical parts, even after periods of prolonged inactivity.
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