AD 2020-16-11 on TCM IO-550's and TSIO-550's

[kortopates]

A new TCM AD is coming out Sept 21 that affects the IO-550's used in Eagles, Ovations and the TSIO-550 used in Acclaims:

https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgad.nsf/0/32adee8ac0c62a20862585c70050d47f/$FILE/2020-16-11.pdf

The AD references the following TCM SB: http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/MSB18-08B.pdf

Initially its just a visual inspection of the cross-flow cylinder assembly, for those engine that have at least 500 hrs on the effective date (9-21). 

The AD estimates 2 hrs of labor to complete the visual inspection; which could lead to additional labor to modify it (1 hr) or replace it (11.5 hrs) depending on the inspection results.

Before getting too concerned, start with the SB for applicability:

"New or rebuilt engines obtained prior to 01 NOV 2014 are not affected by this Service Document. Additionally, cylinder assemblies obtained prior to 01 NOV 2014 or stamped with serial number AC18KB277 or later (reference Figure 1 and Figure 9) are not affected by this Service Document."

 

[GeeBee]

Yes, I just got a text message on this. Unless you got cracks, seems like a small repair if your engine is eligible. I think mine is. I am going down for annual on Sept 1, so I will go ahead and do it now.

[GeeBee]

Executed this AD today.  After grinding away the casting flashing, found a crack on the #6 cylinder revealed after the flashing was removed. You want to get this one done sooner rather than later folks. There are some cracks out there hidden beneath the flashing. Will post pics in the coming days. Engine has 654 SNEW.

 

 

[MarkD34M]

GeeBee:

Is my understanding correct in that, when you file the sharp edges off the area, it cuts down the propensity to crack? Hence the filing smooth the corners? I have 100 hours on factory nickel cylinders. Need to confirm.

Thanks for posting.

Mark

[hypertech]

21 minutes ago, MarkD34M said:

GeeBee:

Is my understanding correct in that, when you file the sharp edges off the area, it cuts down the propensity to crack? Hence the filing smooth the corners? I have 100 hours on factory nickel cylinders. Need to confirm.

Thanks for posting.

Mark

Check with a continental dealer.  I was in a similar boat when the SB came out.  I used new factory nickel cylinders in the overhaul.  Henry Weber (did not do the overhaul) was able to do the work under warranty when I was in for other work.  There was no cost to me.

[GeeBee]

12 hours ago, MarkD34M said:

GeeBee:

Is my understanding correct in that, when you file the sharp edges off the area, it cuts down the propensity to crack? Hence the filing smooth the corners? I have 100 hours on factory nickel cylinders. Need to confirm.

Thanks for posting.

Mark

That is correct. You should read the Bulletin and determine if your cylinders are covered. 

I have to say, I was impressed with Continental. They really stepped up. We called them this morning and they covered it under warranty. They are shipping a new cylinder kit and crediting me 11 hours of labor. 

Here is a photo. of the crack after filing. The brown stain is alodine we used to quickly verify the crack