Looking for Cylinder for Bravo

[alextstone]

I purchased a Bravo six weeks ago.    I had a pre purchase AND an annual done at Dugosh Aviation with the only squawk identified by them being a prop overdue for overhaul.  Since then, I learned that one of the cylinders has to be overhauled (bad valve -greening metal on one side - and low compression), the Turbo is leaking oil and has to be overhauled, an intake manifold gasket is leaking and has to be replaced AND the exhaust system is leaking and must be overhauled too.  This is coming from an extremely reputable AI whom I have done business with for decades.  He took the time to photograph and show me where the issues are so my confidence level in his diagnosis is high.  

I'm trying to find the positive in this but today, I learned that the over-sized valve guide that is needed from Lycoming to finish the cylinder overhaul is nowhere to be found for the moment.  My mechanic also learned that there is a 30 day lead time from Lycoming on a new cylinder.  I am willing to buy another cylinder assembly, new or overhauled, if anyone knows where one could be purchased.

Four of the last six weeks, instead of enjoying my new aircraft, I have been quietly regretting my decision and wishing I had not used Dugosh in the process.  Any help or encouragement would be appreciated.

[LANCECASPER]

If you own an airplane you're in it for the long run. The first year of ownership you will be finding out things that were not noticed in the pre-buy.  No matter who you used they wouldn't have caught everything, however over the years whenever I've had a pre-buy done I always re-arrange things to be there during the pre-buy (that includes one in Iowa, California and Florida). MAPA has put out some good information on what to look for on each of the models when doing a pre-buy (http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/M20M_prepurchase_inspection.html). Since I am the one paying for the pre-buy I direct what I'd like them to look at, along with input from them. Once they know you know what to look for, the pre-buy becomes much more thorough and meaningful.

But that's water under the bridge in this case though. Just be glad you weren't flying it over the water to Mexico when you had a complete turbo failure or the exhaust system come apart. Before I would ever be comfortable with a trip like that, I would have owned the airplane awhile and been closely involved in at least one annual, preferably two. At least you get to sort  these things on the ground at your home field.

J and J Airparts in Pleasanton TX rebuilds cylinders and has done a lot of these for the Bravo. You might see if they have the oversized valve guide. If you post the Lycoming part number on here you might get some help from Mooneyspacers. But assuming your cylinder can be brought into serviceable limits I would overhaul yours, since it's probably a first run cylinder. I know it stinks to have your new airplane grounded early into your ownership, but a month isn't that long in the grand scheme. Once this is behind you you'll be back enjoying your Bravo and this bad experience will fade.

[thinwing]

In the meantime ,ask your mechanic to attempt a valve lapse in place via rope trick.Ask him to perform lycoming valve wobble test at same time.Intake is a gasket ,Turbo leaking...from where exactly...waste gate?please post pics

[alextstone]

14 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

If you own an airplane you're in it for the long run. The first year of ownership you will be finding out things that were not noticed in the pre-buy.  No matter who you used they wouldn't have caught everything, however over the years whenever I've had a pre-buy done I always re-arrange things to be there during the pre-buy (that includes one in Iowa, California and Florida). MAPA has put out some good information on what to look for on each of the models when doing a pre-buy (http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/M20M_prepurchase_inspection.html). Since I am the one paying for the pre-buy I direct what I'd like them to look at, along with input from them. Once they know you know what to look for, the pre-buy becomes much more thorough and meaningful.

But that's water under the bridge in this case though. Just be glad you weren't flying it over the water to Mexico when you had a complete turbo failure or the exhaust system come apart. Before I would ever be comfortable with a trip like that, I would have owned the airplane awhile and been closely involved in at lest one annual, preferably two. At least you get to sort  these things on the ground at your home field.

J and J Airparts in Pleasanton TX rebuilds cylinders and has done a lot of these for the Bravo. You might see if they have the oversized valve guide. If you post the Lycoming part number on here you might get some help from Mooneyspacers. But assuming your cylinder can be brought into serviceable limits I would overhaul yours, since it's probably a first run cylinder. I know it stinks to have your new airplane grounded early into your ownership, but a month isn't that long in the grand scheme. Once this is behind you you'll be back enjoying your Bravo and this bad experience will fade.

Thanks for the good advice, @LANCECASPER  I'll call the mechanic to get that part number.

 

[Bravoman]

14 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

If you own an airplane you're in it for the long run. The first year of ownership you will be finding out things that were not noticed in the pre-buy.  No matter who you used they wouldn't have caught everything, however over the years whenever I've had a pre-buy done I always re-arrange things to be there during the pre-buy (that includes one in Iowa, California and Florida). MAPA has put out some good information on what to look for on each of the models when doing a pre-buy (http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/M20M_prepurchase_inspection.html). Since I am the one paying for the pre-buy I direct what I'd like them to look at, along with input from them. Once they know you know what to look for, the pre-buy becomes much more thorough and meaningful.

But that's water under the bridge in this case though. Just be glad you weren't flying it over the water to Mexico when you had a complete turbo failure or the exhaust system come apart. Before I would ever be comfortable with a trip like that, I would have owned the airplane awhile and been closely involved in at least one annual, preferably two. At least you get to sort  these things on the ground at your home field.

J and J Airparts in Pleasanton TX rebuilds cylinders and has done a lot of these for the Bravo. You might see if they have the oversized valve guide. If you post the Lycoming part number on here you might get some help from Mooneyspacers. But assuming your cylinder can be brought into serviceable limits I would overhaul yours, since it's probably a first run cylinder. I know it stinks to have your new airplane grounded early into your ownership, but a month isn't that long in the grand scheme. Once this is behind you you'll be back enjoying your Bravo and this bad experience will fade.

Lance, he does mention that it was both a pre buy and an annual. The fact that a MSC missed the exhaust issues is particularly troubling as we all know what that can lead to on a Bravo. 

[MB65E]

Call Kenny Tunnel at Lycon. 

They may stock what you need, or just send the cylinder to them. He may have an exchange on the shelf ready to go.

Also, not just Lycon. I’d call around for exchanges.

-Matt

[LANCECASPER]

54 minutes ago, Bravoman said:

Lance, he does mention that it was both a pre buy and an annual. The fact that a MSC missed the exhaust issues is particularly troubling as we all know what that can lead to on a Bravo. 

I agree completely. He doesn't go into detail on the leaking exhaust,  whether it's cracked or not, but missing the number one potential safety issue is troubling. Also a bad exhaust system which is on an engine that ran too hot (TIT) is a symptom of other engine problems to come, so finding that was critical.

[thinwing]

Re that exhaust...leaking at slip joints can be normal...he doesn't mention exhaust cracks...especially arround #2 riser.I agree the exhaust system is critical hardware especially arround those Turbo v clamps .Re that abnormal burn pattern..again it would be nice to see a pic.Valve lapping has done wonders for two CAP planes recently.300 hrs post and burn pattern corrected .The wobble test is what will condemn the guide.lycon is a fantastic shop but if they don't have a tio540 cylinder in stock..they can be glacially slow on delivery ,meaning months.Main Turbo are the best for oil leaks on Turbo Chargers or waste gate .Good luck