2009-10 · NASA ASRS report 857727
A Lead and a Mechanic report about a leased PW-2000 engine that was installed on one of their B757-200 aircraft and serviced with a different type of engine oil.
I was the Lead Technician assigned to a Boeing 757-200; which was scheduled for replacement of the number one engine. When I arrived at work; the old engine had already been removed; and the new engine was being prepared for installation. During the course of the day; it was necessary for us to move the aircraft in and out of the hangar twice; in order to allow space for other aircraft. Other than that; the installation went smoothly. With all the movement impeding progress; we were finally able to get the aircraft to the run-up area at approximately. The aircraft was returned to service later that night.Upon arriving at work the next morning; I learned that the engine that was installed on our B757; belonged to Carrier X; and was being leased by us. At this time; I realized that their engine; IDG and Starter were serviced with the incorrect type oil. Our company uses BP-2197 in our B757 engines; and BP-2380 in our engine accessories. Carrier X uses a different turbine oil in their engines and accessories. Immediately upon discovering this; I contacted our Maintenance Control and the PW 2000 Analyst. Their research showed that the three types of oil are compatible. As a result; Powerplant Engineering issued an Engineering Authorization (EA); outlining the changeover of engines to our oil servicing procedures. The oil in the secondary (accessory) systems was drained and replaced. The conversion of the main oil system will be enacted using the 'Top-Off' method.This situation could have been avoided by employing better communication. The 8130 tag which was issued with the engine was our company tag. My department replaces and services engines quite frequently; and we are very accustomed to B757's. Had this been a customer's aircraft; closer attention would have been paid to oil type. In addition; the job instruction cards being employed only direct the Technician to service the engine and components; and do not specify oil type (again; usually not needed). The last opportunity available to catch our mistake was during final servicing after engine run-up; at which time the work area was dark. As I was in charge of this aircraft; I am responsible for ensuring that proper procedures are being followed. I will be certain to review work documents more thoroughly in the future.
After changing Number-1 engine on a B757-200; I proceeded to fill oil tank to spin and run the engine. The oil we use on our aircraft is 2197. The door on the fan cowl also indicates the correct oil is 2197; which is what I serviced the engine oil with. I also serviced the CSD (IDG) with 2380; which is also what we service our accessories; such as CSD and starter with. The service door for the starter and CSD also states 2380 as the correct oil to use for servicing these components. I did not find out till the next morning that we had installed another carrier's motor and not our motor; and as a result; the incorrect oil was used to service the new motor.
Reporter stated they have implemented some procedural changes to better identify leased engines.
More incidents for this aircraft family
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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