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  • Re: Oil leaks from tappet cover 914UL-300hours

    by » 13 years ago


    Hi All

    Regarding the tappet cover oil leaks- finally i can say that I was sniffing at the wrong tree!

    Having made the effort to seal all the tappet covers with oversize o rings and the loctite flexi sealer RTV- yet again after my flight leaks appeared.
    Finally I have discovered that it was infact the "push rod tubes" that are the cause of the leaks on the upper portion which enters the cylinder head and is usually sealed with loctite.
    I am told that the loctite can breakdown overtime as a result of engine heat.
    WHat is surprising is that from the download of the TCU ( turbo control unit) there is no evidence of the engine having been overheated at any time, so I can assume this is a normal yet unreported situation.
    The repair is in progress at this time and all four cylinder heads along with the pushrod tubes were removed and have been resealed.6 out of the 8 tubes were leaking minutely however!

    I will finally test the engine tomorrow and will keep you posted.
    I hope to report good news shortly

    regards
    Richard Herber

  • Re: Oil leaks from tappet cover 914UL-300hours

    by » 13 years ago


    Hi all

    Finally the leaks are sealed
    It seems it was the pushrod tubes after all.

    Regards
    Richard herber

  • Re: Oil leaks from tappet cover 914UL-300hours

    by » 13 years ago


    Leaks are not always where the oil ends up. The higher pressure and or high flow air will move a drop or two of oil around and make it look like it came from somewhere else. If I see oil on the back of the engine I start at the front and start my check or tightening.

    Here is a leak detection tip that works very well and can find the minutest leak.

    First clean the engine of oil, dirt or fluids. Let it dry. Then buy some Desenex foot powder spray. It is just a spray on white powder and sticks to the engine. Spray all the areas of any suspected leak or spray the entire engine oil fittings, seams and joints. Now go fly for an hour or so. When you come back you will have a huge red flag staring you in the face where even the tiniest of leaks happened. Even ones that aren't really visible to the eye without the white powder.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


    Thank you said by: Ken kitzmann

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