AD/LYC/113 ECi Cylinder Assemblies (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Lycoming Piston Engines

AD/LYC/113 ECi Cylinder Assemblies 3/2006 DM

Applicability:

Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) models 320, 360, and 540 series, parallel valve, reciprocating engines specified in Table 1 of FAA AD 2005-26-10, with Engine Components Inc. (ECi) cylinder assemblies, part number (P/N) AEL65102 series ''Classic Cast'', with casting P/N AEL65099 and serial numbers (SNs) 1 through 9879, installed.

Requirement:

Engines Not Repaired or Overhauled Since New

If your engine has not been overhauled or had any major repair since new, no further action is required.

Engines Overhauled or Repaired Since New

1.    If your engine was overhauled or repaired since new, do the following:

(a)   Determine if ECi cylinder assemblies, P/N AEL65102 series "Classic Cast", with casting P/N AEL65099 and SNs 1 through 9879 are installed on your engine, as follows:

(i)    Inspect the engine log books and maintenance records for reference to the subject ECi cylinder assemblies.

(ii)   If the engine log books and maintenance records did not record the P/N and SN of the cylinder assemblies, visually inspect the cylinder assemblies and verify the P/N and SN of the cylinder assemblies.

If the cylinder assemblies are not ECi, P/N AEL65102 series "Classic Cast", with casting P/N AEL65099, no further action is required.

2.    If any cylinder assembly is an ECi P/N AEL65102 series "Classic Cast", with casting P/N AEL65099 and a SN 1 through 9879, replace the cylinder assembly.

Definition of a Replacement Cylinder Assembly

For the purpose of this AD, a replacement cylinder assembly is defined as follows:

(a)   A serviceable cylinder assembly made by Lycoming Engines.

(b)   A serviceable FAA-approved, Parts Manufacturer Approval cylinder assembly from another manufacturer.

(c)   A serviceable ECi cylinder assembly, P/N AEL65102 series, "Titan", with casting P/N AEL85009.

(d)   A serviceable ECi cylinder assembly, P/N AEL65102 series, with casting P/N AEL65099, that has a SN 9880 or higher.

3.    Do not install any ECi cylinder assembly, P/N AEL65102, with casting P/N AEL65099 that has a SN 1 through 9879, onto any engine.

Note:  FAA AD 2005-26-10 Amdt 39-14431 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 10 hours after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

2.    If the cylinder assembly has fewer than 800 operating hours- in-service (HIS) on the effective date of this AD, replace the cylinder assembly at no later than 800 operating HIS. No action is required until the operating HIS reaches 800 hours.

       If the cylinder assembly has 800 operating HIS or more on the effective date of this AD, replace the cylinder assembly within 60 operating HIS after the effective date of this AD.

3.    After the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 February 2006.

Background:

The FAA has approximately 30 reports of failure of the subject cylinder assemblies marketed by ECi.  The requirements of this AD are to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder assemblies and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

11 January 2006