Scott & Tanya Card RV9A build log (N4822C)

We’ve been flying quite a bit for cylinder break-in. I think we have about 12 hours on them now. Perfectly predictible every step of the way. I’m pretty sure they are technically broken in. It hasn’t used hardly any oil at all. I added a half quart recently just to keep it up at about 6.75qt, knowing that it has always blown out anything over about 6qt. I think another few hours (15-20 total) and we’ll just start flying and stop worrying about it. CHTs are definitely higher and come up much faster. I’m glad we’re doing this in the winter. I seem to remember CHTs really starting to come down and stabilize much later, around 100hrs, when the engine was new.

The cylinder replacement operation is complete. It took us about a week and 35 hours. Tanya helped a lot with the re-assembly process. The easiest and quickest part was actually removing the old cylinders and installing the new ones. Everything else took most of the time. We did a couple of test runs on the ramp. The engine started very easily and seemed to run fine. Now we’re ready for a test flight and break-in.

Well, what can I say, it isn’t rocket science. I removed all of the original cylinders and installed the new assemblies. The fully prepared assemblies make it very easy. The valves are already installed and the piston is already in the cylinder. Lube things up, install the base o-ring, slide the piston pin in with caps, and install the base nuts. Next up is to do the pushrod dance for rocker/valve clearance. Of course I’m working from THE overhaul manual.

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As we started discussing the replacement of the cylinders subject to the AD, Scott made a passing comment that they were my anniversary present. While working with Joe at ECI, I relayed this comment and jokingly said he needed to be sure to put bows on them for me. Well, he did…

The oil analysis reports show some tin so the cylinders themselves must contain some (10 Year Traditional Anniversary Gift), and they are going on an aluminum airplane (10 Year Modern). I guess he has it covered.