Continental IO-550 Grounding.

[tnuc]

The below was emailed to me over the weekend; I have a Baron with 2 x just installed factory re-mans that are affected.


Excessive wear has been identified on 3 lifters out of about 400 engines. Two of the lifters failed in operation at 40hrs and one at 10hrs! It is a material problem. TCM has suggested that the oil filters be cut open and inspected for debris and an oil sample kept for analysis. I do think that this is good insurance in case of engine problems later in their life. SEB’s engines are part of the suspect batch.

TCM also said that lifters were now being sourced from an alternative suppler with some being shipped this weekend. However, initial production of lifters will be a trickle compared with what is required. He assured that that new lifters for SEB would be shipped in about two weeks, however this will require follow up calls to achieve – everyone wants lifters.

This was posted on the Beech talk forum

TCM Hydraulic Lifters in 360, 470, 520 and 550 Series Engines

CPA has been made aware of an issue with intake and exhaust hydraulic lifters PN 657913, 657915, or 657916 used in the above referenced engines. CPA sources indicate that these lifters were manufactured starting in June of 2009, but this has not been confirmed.

TCM currently is working on a Service Bulletin to address this issue, but has posted some information on their website, http://www.genuinecontinental.aero.

Hydraulic Lifters

TCM has identified an issue with a vendor component that makes it necessary for aircraft with certain recently installed engines to be grounded effective immediately. The component is a hydraulic lifter and TCM has confirmed instances of rapid wear of PN 657915. This has occurred in both TCM engines and field overhauled engines using the 657915 lifter.

The aircraft needs to remain grounded until an inspection is completed to determine if your engine has been affected. If your engine has PN 657913 (Exhaust), 657915 (Intake), or 657916 (Either), it is affected and must remain grounded until the lifters are replaced. Upon inspection, if your engine has either PN please contact TCM's customer service department at 1 888-826-5465 for additional instructions. A listing of potentially affected engines will be on our website (http://www.genuinecontinental.aero/) as soon as possible. Additionally, a Service Bulletin with more detail is in the works with the FAA and will be released as soon as possible.

TCM and the lifter vendor are working to identify and correct this issue.

FAQ's:

Is the FAA involved?

Yes, TCM is working in conjunction with the FAA at this time.

Am I going to be compensated for any financial losses?

TCM will replace all affected engine components under warranty. In addition, TCM will reimburse reasonable travel expenses for pilots and passengers stranded away from their home airports as a result of this grounding. We are actively working this issue and will keep you advised through our website as more information becomes available.

What is wrong with my lifter?

We have confirmed a few instances of rapid wear of lifter PN 657915 in both TCM engines and field overhauled engines. We are continuing to work with our supplier to identify the root cause and the corrective action.

What are the symptoms of this issue?

The instances to date have been detected by a rough engine in flight.

Should I be concerned about flying my aircraft?

At this time we believe there may be a potential safety of flight issue, which is why we have decided to ground involved aircraft.

What is TCM going to do about my lifters?

TCM will replace all affected lifters.

What will the lifter replacement cost me?

TCM will replace all engine components affected under warranty.

When can I anticipate the replacement lifters to be delivered?

TCM is working with the supplier to obtain the necessary replacement lifters as quickly as possible. Please review our website for status of this issue.