As most of you know, I work at a part 61 flight school. Among my duties that I perform, I work in the maintenance hanger obtaining my A&P through an apprenticeship.
Our fleet is fairly large and consists of a mix of aircraft, including a few Piper Cherokees. A few months ago, we discovered a large oil leak coming out of the #2 cylinder on the engine on a 1962 Cherokee 140 (with a 180 STC). After removing the jug, we determined the root of the problem was destroyed cam lobes and lifter bodies. (not my picture, just one showing an example of a lobe and lifter body).
(This is my photo of the aircraft in question, showing the 1 & 3 cylinders removed, preparing for total engine removal)
After further inspection, the engine had to be completely removed, broken down, and sent to Kansas City for repair. We bought a new engine and have installed it, and have recently finished the Ground Operational Test. Tomorrow, I will be taking the plane out for its first flight test, per Lycoming standards outlined in Service Instruction 1427C.
The flight involves a normal take off, cruise at around 5,000 ft MSL and power settings at 75% power for the first hour, then changing between 65-75% for the second hour. If all indications are normal, the final 30 minutes are to be done at full throttle. While it will not be the most exciting flight, it will be a fun opportunity to do some flying for a different purpose than just hour building.
I will post tomorrow my flight plan, then afterwards the track logs and any other data I collect. Stay tuned!
