Interesting finds during oil change.

[Guitarmaster]

Hey all.

I just finished the oil change and, as always, do an under-the-hood inspection.

On one of the intake tubes there was a blue goo running down the pipe. Slimy and smelled like oil with the slightest hint of 100LL. The leak seemed to be coming from around the joint between the head and intake manifold. I grabbed a socket and, much to my surprise, found ALL of the intake manifold bolt loose! .

In addition, most of the valve cover bolts were loose and one was missing.

All the exhaust bolts were tight.

Just thought I would share the importance of inspecting under the hood at every oil change! Glad I caught it early!

Cheers!

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[Guitarmaster]

Thought I would pass on my method of changing the filter with no oil getting on the engine. Hope it helps someone!

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[Hank]

That's how I change my oil, too. Works well.

[VetRepp]

Another aid for these 'upside down' filters showed to me by my A&P is to puncture a small hole in the top of the filter and wait til all oil is drained from drain plug before removal. - I do also wedge a paper towel under filter mount before unscrewing just in case but I get very little to no spillage this way. 

I'll also often start the draining at the end of the day and let it drain overnight - then button it up the next day.

[jrwilson]

Another aid for these 'upside down' filters showed to me by my A&P is to puncture a small hole in the top of the filter and wait til all oil is drained from drain plug before removal. - I do also wedge a paper towel under filter mount before unscrewing just in case but I get very little to no spillage this way. 

I'll also often start the draining at the end of the day and let it drain overnight - then button it up the next day.

 

My mechanic punches a hole in the filter and then puts an air hose in the hole and pushes air through it.  

[N201MKTurbo]

I once had an intake pipe come off. It was sitting about 1/2 inch below the cylinder with both bolts missing.

 

I noticed my mixture was behaving a little oddly. I flew it about 1/2 hour like that on my way home. Other than the odd mixture behavior the engine ran fine.

[Guitarmaster]

I once had an intake pipe come off. It was sitting about 1/2 inch below the cylinder with both bolts missing.

I noticed my mixture was behaving a little oddly. I flew it about 1/2 hour like that on my way home. Other than the odd mixture behavior the engine ran fine.

These engines are remarkably resilient.

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[N601RX]

Big difference when a carbureted intake pipe falls off and a fuel injection one comes off.

[StevenL757]

Another aid for these 'upside down' filters showed to me by my A&P is to puncture a small hole in the top of the filter and wait til all oil is drained from drain plug before removal. - I do also wedge a paper towel under filter mount before unscrewing just in case but I get very little to no spillage this way. 

I'll also often start the draining at the end of the day and let it drain overnight - then button it up the next day.

Exactly how I change my oil. I fly for about an hour or more, then shut down, pull cowling and immediately drain, and do so overnight. Puncturing a couple of holes helps dramatically. I stuff a paper towel or two under the filter and never spill a drop.

[garytex]

Was this on #2?  That is the most common pipe to vibrate, and loosen the nuts.  As a secondary concern, said vibration will wear out the flange at the top of the pipe and generate an exhaust leak.  To check, look at your MP at idle.  Is it as low as it has been?  If it is high, look for intake leak.

[Guitarmaster]

Was this on #2?  That is the most common pipe to vibrate, and loosen the nuts.  As a secondary concern, said vibration will wear out the flange at the top of the pipe and generate an exhaust leak.  To check, look at your MP at idle.  Is it as low as it has been?  If it is high, look for intake leak.

 

IF I understand the numbering correctly, it was the #4 (aircraft left, rear), but all were loose, that was one that was leaking.  All the exhaust bolts were tight.

Truthfully, I don't pay much attention to the MP when it is at idle.