crankshaft hours ???

Matters of general interest
User avatar
Miskiet
Look I'm flying
Look I'm flying
Posts: 223
Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 11:27 am
Location: Petit

Postby Miskiet » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:14 am

503 DCDI - 566 hrs and still going strong. De-coked at 400 hrs.
Slow_Poke

Postby Slow_Poke » Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:52 am

replaced my crank on 325 hrs, old crank still very servicable (? alex),also replaced rotary shaft due to pitting on the threaded side in the water pump housing, replaced pistons - also not necesarry. in my opinion - another 200hrs could have safely be flown without any worries.
shane
Ready for the first flight
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:38 pm
Location: Ladysmith

Crankshaft Hours ???

Postby shane » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:11 pm

582 Silver top; 757 hrs crankshaft inspection done about 30 hrs ago and all still in spec
User avatar
Andre
Got my wings at last
Got my wings at last
Posts: 227
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2005 11:47 am
Location: Crosswinds - Randpark Ridge

Postby Andre » Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:51 pm

582 blue top, replaced pistons/rings and did crank inspection @ 400 hours by previous owner (don't now why pistons). Now on 604 hours and still going strong
Only planning crank inpection @ 800 hours
Working is for the birds
Airborn Edge 582
ZU-CND
User avatar
Windsock
Ready for the first flight
Posts: 40
Joined: Mon May 23, 2005 2:04 pm
Location: Panorama

Postby Windsock » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:05 pm

Some interesting views on the topic. I did a search on Google for "crankshaft failures", and was amazed to see the information available on this topic - for example at http://www.packereng.com/Jun01Moore.pdf

Being involved on a daily basis in the field of Non Destructive Testing dealing with the Inspection of components from the Petrochemical, Power Generation and other Industries, I believe that a decision on whether to replace a crankshaft after 300 hours of operation as a guarantee against future failures completely unproven without the support of a proper failure analysis study. I do however support regular inspections, the frequency determined by factors such as temperature fluctuations, cyclic stresses, lubrication, and engine loading – variables that should be included in the failure analysis study to determine the frequency required for inspection or replacement.

A new crankshaft can fail after 1hour of operation due to some manufacturing defect. A crankshaft can also last for many hundreds or even thousands of hours without failure – evident from the hours mentioned in previous postings.

By merely replacing components after some time of operation is no guarantee against failure – frequent and proper inspections to detect “something” before it causes failure and have catastrophic results (not just the crankshaft), now that makes more sense…..
User avatar
Leprachaun
Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer
Posts: 1161
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:57 pm
Location: Pretoria

Postby Leprachaun » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:40 pm

Hi Guys , thanks for the response so far , its a step in the right direction , as I am typing now I have just returned from a meeting with Andre Swanepoel and he is most gratefull for your support , ....
But we need more I see we have 200 plus views so far , so why not 200 responses , maybe tha Aussies can comment as well as The US, UK and the rest of the world , What about you other loals , I need the facts , its in our interest , Keep the replies coming , Leprachaun
A pilot lives by perfection , or not at all!
User avatar
Leprachaun
Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer
Posts: 1161
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:57 pm
Location: Pretoria

Postby Leprachaun » Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:49 pm

Just had a call from "Danie " at Groblersdal , their Aquilla 582 used for training sold on 340 hours had crank replaced as per schedule , now done 600 hours and still going strong
Leprachaun
A pilot lives by perfection , or not at all!
TonyV
Thinking of flying
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:18 pm
Location: Crosswinds

Crankshaft hours

Postby TonyV » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:47 pm

582 blue top seven and a half years old. Decoked at 380 hours, engine zero houred (crank replaced) by Trevor Davies at 730 hours. Got cold feet about pushing it any further than that because at my age my possibility of catastrophic failure is pretty high without that happening because of engine failure!
Decoked again at 1030 hours by Trevor. Even though the possibility of my catastrophic failure has increased since the crank was replaced I fervently believe that it would be a complete waste of money to replace the crank again before 1330 hours.
Have used Quicksilver oil exclusively since new and Trevor very impressed with the results.
I am not technically minded but I am told by Trevor and Rob Goudie and Alan Matson who are my AP's that the frequency of use rather than just plain hours on the clock is an important consideration.
User avatar
Robin Hood
Solo cross country
Solo cross country
Posts: 148
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:46 am
Location: Klerksdorp

Postby Robin Hood » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:52 pm

My Aquilla 582 silvertop has 362 hours. No hassles so far. Had engine opened and checked, decoked at 280 hours by Solowings. All was still well within spec. I have used TTS till now but only have about 4 litres left. Not sure yet what to change to.
User avatar
John Young
The Boss
The Boss
Posts: 1973
Joined: Tue May 24, 2005 8:38 am
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

My 582 blue top only has 255 hours

Postby John Young » Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:59 pm

TonyV wrote:I am told by Trevor and Rob Goudie and Alan Matson who are my AP's that the frequency of use rather than just plain hours on the clock is an important consideration.
100% (especially coastal areas).

My 582 blue top only has 255 hours.

Regards
John ZU-CIB
Chunky
Woohoo 100 posts - flying high
Woohoo 100 posts - flying high
Posts: 105
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:35 pm

Postby Chunky » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:24 pm

Some more scary news......

Dont think you going to buy a 912 and get away with the 1500 or 1800 hour TBO. Rotax has issued a statement that the engine must be overhauled at TBO hours or 5 years !!!!!!!!!!!

That means 300 hours per year to get max benifit.
User avatar
ICEMAN
Top Gun
Top Gun
Posts: 695
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2005 4:05 pm
Location: Hoedspruit Hangar 8

Postby ICEMAN » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:59 pm

I dont understand why the powers that be are so obsessesed with the crank... hands up how many MPLs have had crank related engine outs vs other reasons......... why can some cranks be considered by their manufacturers as good for 2000hrs and yet others only 300hrs?........ leave the crank alone, chase the common causes of engine outs........
ZU-CPW..... t/bird mk2
Hoedspruit Civil Airfield
Hangar 8
M
Pre flight checks done
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:26 pm
Location: Pretoria/Brits

Postby M » Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:53 pm

582 , 280 hours and not a single misfire etc....., checked today with Gideon Niemann (ROTAX amo) at Brits , Approx R28000.00 to redo engine at 300 hours- new 582 approx R52000.00 :oops: :twisted: :?:
User avatar
Rudix
The Boss
The Boss
Posts: 1653
Joined: Sun May 07, 2006 8:04 pm
Location: Pretoria - Rhino Park
Contact:

Postby Rudix » Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:27 am

Ok, here goes,

618, crank checked at 300 hours and found perfect, now on 410 hours, not planning on replacing till at least 800 hours !

I am aware of a 503 that was checked at 700 hours and found perfect and a 582 that was opened for the first time on 1400 hours ! AND FOUND OK ! These were both in regular, almost daily use though.

I think this whole crank thing is B$, we all agree that crack failure is the least of our worries.

Fly safe,
Rudi
"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic." ;)
User avatar
Leprachaun
Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer
Posts: 1161
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:57 pm
Location: Pretoria

Postby Leprachaun » Thu Jan 10, 2008 7:05 am

Had a call from Simon , bought a usedAquilla 503 , replaced engine at 300 hours , with a used 582 silvertop =1000 hours had it checked , flew 160 hours over serous bushveld in Limpopo provence sold after a further 160 hours - total 1160 hours still going strong
Leprachaun
A pilot lives by perfection , or not at all!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests