This is an update, to an update, to "I HOPE" the final solution: Two weeks ago I found a weak cylinder during preflight. It was determined to have been caused by a leaking exhaust valve. I had asked for your help in solving the problem with the least amount of expense. Many of you sent your ideas and suggestions. I tried several of the non-invasive things to no avail. Compression was still 45/80 with air leaking out the exhaust pipe. The "proper thing to do" was to pull the cylinder, remove the valve, regrind, reface and reinstall. Maybe with new rings depending on who was overseeing the job. On the advice of a couple of "Good-ole Boys" from not quite "Down Rio Grande Way" I did an "in cylinder, valve refacing" job. I will not go into all the gory details, but I am very pleased with the outcome. After the first, drill motor battery, rundown the compression had come up to 75/80. However there was still a small amount of air leaking past the valve. On repeating the process the compression was 77/80 with no leakage. I have now flown a bit shy of 4 hrs. Everything seems to be fine, good compression and no apparent leak. If my luck holds and this repair is permanent, I would strongly recommend it as an alternative to pulling a cylinder. With the caveat that extreme care must be taken in the use of the valve grinding compound. Again I want to thank: Dave H. and Bill L. for their help:
Maynard Smith, N99843, Tahoe City, CA. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> P.S. I will keep you posted on this repair.
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