Tom; Thanks for clearing that up, but I think it's way too early to just pull a cylinder with a 59 without a proper scoping. But true, any valve failure would ruin your day!
I've forwarded your email to one of Continentals old engineers who now has an independent shop and he'll explain it to me fully. I can post his reply if you would like. I'll also try to get the catalog number for you of a compression tester sold by one of the aviation big tool houses. As a side note you can order it with a calibrated orifice for a few bucks more. If you're saying that they're all calibrated, then I won't waste my money when I need to finally buy one, but wonder why Continental makes it a point to specify it! I'll use the money saved to buy a couple of gallons!!!!! Al DeMarzo Visit the Ercoupe Swap Page Free, Easy and No Membership Required http://www.ercoupeowners.com/swap/swapbook.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: THOMAS COOK To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 6:30 PM Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] Grounded Al just a quick note from an A&P.. Leakeage from an intake valve is not considerd to be fatal since the incoming fuel will cool the valve, leakaage past the rings will burn oil and increase crankcase pressure, but a leaking exhaust valve will continue to destroy the valve since the hot gas will continue to errode the valve face.. Thats why most mechanics will pull a cylinder if an exhaust valve is leaking during a compression test . We have your safety uppermost in mind , losing a exhuast valve in flight would spoil just about anybody's day. By the way, all compression testers have a calibrated orrifice. Tom A&P/IA Couper3938H DeMarzo <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Oh man! You using Sal for the cylinders? Your mechanic should have a calibrated orifice to check compressions. Continental says that compressions to 40 should be okay and that the combustion chambers and valves should be checked with a borescope when they're low. Any good A&P and all A&P's with IA should have a borescope. Are you using TCP in your gas? Al DeMarzo Visit the Ercoupe Swap Page Free, Easy and No Membership Required http://www.ercoupeowners.com/swap/swapbook.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: heavensounds To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 9:26 PM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Grounded Started my annual today. Checking compressions... 79 ! , 79 ! , 79 ! , and ... (drum roll) 59 and the noise of air escaping through the exhaust. : - ( Tried staking the exhaust valve. No success. Had to pull the jug. Called the guy who overhauled them 1 1/2 years ago and he said to bring it over (Saturday afternoon), that it probably was a stuck exhaust valve and it should be ready Monday afternoon. Can't complain about his response!! Another sour note is that we pulled a helicoil out on another cylinder when pulling out the spark plug. Something else to deal with. Well, as I used to tell my son: "Patience is the mother of happiness" Now It's my turn to apply it. Eliacim .
