A-87-076
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: PUBLISH IN ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC) NO 43-16, "GENERAL AVIATION AIRWORTHINESS ALERTS," AN ARTICLE REGARDING BROKEN AND STICKING VALVES IN AVCO LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES ENGINES. THE ARTICLE SHOULD IDENTIFY THOSE AIRCRAFT WHICH EXPERIENCE THESE VALVE PROBLEMS MOST FREQUENTLY; EMPHASIZE REMEDIAL MEASURES THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE SUCH PROBLEMS, E.G., FREQUENT OIL AND FILTER CHANGES, PROPER LEANING OF THE AIR FUEL MIXTURE, ETC.; AND ADVISE OWNER/OPERATORS THAT VERY ROUGH ENGINE OPERATION AT START UP FOLLOWED BY SMOOTH OPERATION AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP, IS A WARNING THAT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT STICKY VALVES AND PREVENT A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to publish an article in Advisory Circular No. 43-16 about broken and sticking valves in Avco Lycoming 0-320 series engines. The article should identify the aircraft most affected, recommend remedial measures such as frequent oil and filter changes and proper leaning of the air-fuel mixture, and advise that very rough engine operation at startup that smooths out as the engine warms up may indicate sticky valves requiring preventive maintenance to avoid engine power loss.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Sep 27, 1988 |
| NTSB number | DEN86LA161 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).