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I’m going to stop using Camguard, based on this shop’s recommendations. Up until now, I would have kept on using it. Once I have the cylinder broke in, I’ll go with Victory oil. Avblend, I’ll be asking the shop when I pick up the cylinder about issues. -Don

Preselect Probably the same as G5… -Don

I like having it on one screen… -Don

I own a 66 and it will depend on what has already been updated. I have ~7500 hours on mine and a lot has been done to it. I know that may not seem helpful but it will depend on current condition the plane is in. Fuel tanks, landing gear biscuits, control yokes are some that come to mind - prop,- depends on if you have one that needs the eddy inspection @ 100 hours or not - corrosion is a big one… -Don

Another Texan had a similar notice from a shop too… -Don

WELL, the intrigue continues! The cylinder shop (Sal's in Prosper) told us he knew I was using Camguard -- so naturally I asked how he knew. Per them, stated they've seen more cylinders with issues come in from using Camguard -- when flying alot (like I do). They recommend only using Camguard IF the plane is going to sit for long periods (like avionics, etc). I told them I fly pretty much weekly - so they suggest I lay off the Camguard (or use half as much) unless the engine will be sitting for long periods. So, the exhaust guide is getting replaced and we're doing an IRAN on the cylinder and hope to get it back by the end of the week. This is the FIRST definitive statement from a shop about the use of Camguard. So, while the engine looks fantastic, I guess I'll go with no Camguard and see how the oil analysis reports go. Very interesting they knew without asking me what I was using. I'll keep changing the oil @ 25 to 30 hours... -Don

Yes CamGuard with Victory 20W50 for the ‘stickiness’. Seems like that combo hangs on metal pretty good! @EricJ, it does look clean and healthy. AP said no sludge anywhere. I’ve put about a third of the ‘after IRAN’ hours on it. While I hate pulling a cylinder, it sure gave me an opportunity to view inside. I have no complaints. We’re installing new nuts/bolts/gaskets/seals/intake tubing etc. since I have the chance. I’m expecting her to keep up with all the good trends… Cylinder is going to a very reputable Cylinder shop in Prosper TX. They’ll let me know what she needs. -Don

I’ve used Pilot Rise — Michael is young but has a lot of Mooney time great guy and very patient - he gets very busy though. Zulu Aviation rents the plane - I’ve flown it about 15 hours before I bought mine. Good group to work with. -Don

Cylinder is on its way for IRAN -- waiting on the shop to let me know what they found. While I was there, have some pics of the cam/followers -- engine is CLEAN and still 'wet' after 9 days -- AP said keep doing what I'm doing. Things look normal for an engine that was IRAN about 760 hours ago. No flat spots on the cam -- followers still look good with what may look like 'some' pits on the followers edges. Not seeing any excess wear. Was able to see all lobes too! Compression on on cylinders were excellent -- just the oil leaking from the guide. We'll do new rings, piston pin plugs, valve job, and honing -- assuming only the guide(s) need replacing. Pretty happy with the looks of things inside! -Don

Maxwells has the STC…. -Don

Mine is not as ‘active’ as others with all the maintenance done last year but I came close to 100 hours again (almost 3 months down in maintenance last year)…

I have their logbook entries. Also, may get it from flight tracks. It’s on the web version of ForeFlight top left:

The old 10 lbs of ____ in a 5 lbs bag ;o) That’s how I feel some days… -Don

Super! Let me know what day. -Don

Yea, it was a surprise since it was running so well - due to the fine wires it appears. I’m guessing 3 weeks it will be down. Sucks but better on the ground. We’re deciding between IRAN or overhaul. Repair shop will evaluate it. First run Lycoming nitride cylinder so should be a good one. 3 years of ownership- I expect these things to happen - engine crank plug, transponder, tank patches, prop and governor IRAN, right mag OH, mixture control failing, so things have happen. I try to get ahead of some things but no real way to plan for a crack guide. Figures I’d do one luxury item then get a reality smack in the face ;o) @gwav8or I’m available for safety pilot work now ;o). -Don

I have 13 hours on the oil since I did the last change - was due to add 1 quart. It was at 5 1/2 quarts when I landed for annual, So it was not using a lot. I do run lean of peak a lot and keep cylinder temps 390°- 395°. Been doing that since I’ve owned her. -Don

Annual has been going well until today - #4 cylinder bottom plug was full of oil. Borescope inspection of the cylinder shows what they suspect is a cracked valve guide so we’re pulling the cylinder and sending it out for inspection to see if an overhaul or IRAN is needed. No indications in the oil analyst or filter. 751 hours since the engine was IRAN. Other cylinders looked good. May explain why in the last couple of flights #4 was running cooler. Glad it’s caught now… New cables going in, we’re upgrading the prop cable end to use the heim bearing kit 660051-005. So far the rest is looking good. Looks like the left tank patch will need to wait a bit… -Don

Electric step would get you closer to removing vacuum. Another 275 and your set… -Don

Nice! Have you considered the Avidyne 440 slide in replacement for the 430? Could be a good option… Very nice plane! -Don

Looking at the accidents listed, looks like most are in F/J/K/M/R/S models. More plane/faster reflex’s needed? where 1 A, 1 B, 5 Cs. I wonder if some of the newer/faster models become too much to keep up with if not flying enough to stay sharp? I’d be curious to know the number of hours flown from the pilots in the last couple of years on the accident planes… -Don

I fly with my CFI monthly to keep me sharp. We do various approaches and task saturation events to keep me on ‘edge’. He is a King Air instructor and evaluator so he has a high standard. He’ll let me know if I’m not on my game. I find that to be a good way for me to gauge. Since I also deal with software architectures and lots of math/designing as my everyday job, that helps keep the mind very active. Flying often has really helped me now that I’m in my 60s. Quarterly Medical’s with my Primary (full workups) and twice yearly exams with my specialists keep me in check. I’m very aware of what age related issues arise so I know it will eventually come time to stop flying. I’m doing what I can to keep sharp and in shape. It takes more work as we age just to maintain what we have currently have. I fly 100+ hours a year and at least weekly (when not down for maintenance). Been doing that the last 3 years and getting my Instrument rating really pushed me. I also do monthly FAA Safety classes/programs. It’s a lot of work but I love flying and want to do it for as long as I can. MAPA - did that 2 years ago and plan on this year since it’s in Texas again. -Don

And free shipping to boot! -Don

For instance, my medical and life insurance goes way up as I age but, I can still get insurance as I get older. I think simply ‘not offering’ because of age would be challengeable . We’ll see … -Don

For the love of God — I’ve heard this so many times over the years — yeah WE’RE REALLY flying into ALL those airports where big iron flys… -Don

Tried the Icarus today - boy does that thing hide the outside! Did 2 approaches-VOR/LOC 17 to KGVT. Lots of fun, CFII liked it also… Nice day to fly… -Don