New Engine Break-in

[L. Trotter]

I will be picking up my plane today after completing a full top end overhaul with factory new cylinder/pistons/rings etc. (TSIO 550G). Any thought or suggestions about break-in procedure.

[carusoam]

Something similar...

IO550(n) procedures were full power, full rich, down low for improved cooling, altering rpm every 15minutes to avoid building a step...

Checking JPI data for CHTs stabilizing lower....

You should See full power, full cooling, and alternating rpm as an important part of the break-in process...

Use the recommended oil for the break-in process...

Might be similar to the TSIO550(g)

Continental prints the recommended procedure for their hardware... the procedure includes hour by hour what needs to be done...

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic...

Best regards,

-a-

[kortopates]

Follow the TCM SB on breaking in their cylinders - this may have moved into the newer TCM M-0 manual. Regardless, the folks that did the work should be able to get you a copy or you could always call TCM support.

[carusoam]

Good reminder Pstone!

Don’t rely on tie-down ropes to hold your plane in place...  it can lead to a very expensive mistake in seconds...

I’ve seen the results of one...

Best regards,

-a-

[LANCECASPER]

13 hours ago, L. Trotter said:

I will be picking up my plane today after completing a full top end overhaul with factory new cylinder/pistons/rings etc. (TSIO 550G). Any thought or suggestions about break-in procedure.

Lycoming does not allow the use of mineral oil in turbo charged airplanes during break-in. I'm not sure about Continental since your Acclaim has the twin turbos.

[Bravoman]

And don’t  use camguard or anything similar to it during break in as it has anti scuff agents which will prevent rings from seating and potentially glaze the cylinder walls

[Bravoman]

1 hour ago, LANCECASPER said:

Lycoming does not allow the use of mineral oil in turbo charged airplanes during break-in. I'm not sure about Continental since your Acclaim has the twin turbos.

I followed that rule when breaking in my new Bravo engine a couple years back but  I have never gotten a straight answer as to the reason. The cylinders on an IO-540 as between my normally aspirated Saratoga and Bravo are probably not much different but lycoming suggests mineral oil for break in of the NA set up. It must be for reasons specific to the turbocharger but what I don’t get is if mineral oil is considered best for break in of  the cylinders in one engine why not the other?

[LANCECASPER]

This Service Instruction doesn't explain it, but requires it.

LYCOMING SI 1427C.pdf

[jetdriven]

I would be very hesitant to apply full rated power for 3 minutes  on the ground in any engine much less a freshly rebuilt one. 

Edited May 1, 2018 by jetdriven

[L. Trotter]

Thanks for all the suggestion.

This is what the folks at Western Skyways (Montrose, CO) recommended:

1-Run in test cell x 2hrs (various combinations of power settings) with Mineral oil. Drain oil/remove filter.

2-Run normal power setting while flying with Mineral oil x 10 hrs. Change power setting every 30 minutes. Full power not a problem. Change oil/filter.

3-Repeat #2 x 25hrs with Mineral oil

4-Change to normal multigrade oil

Their was no requirement to maintain warranty. The attitude seemed to be "Just run it hard" and "change the oil".