DavidB. wrote:Pulled all the oil lines
Pulled off 2 cylinders
Pulled out the oil pressure relief valve and a bunch of other stuff.

No metal, no damage. Been working on it since 9 am, left at 9 pm. Rebuilt half the tail rotor drive shaft while I was at it.
We will run it tomorrow on the ground and check for to see if there is any more contamination. I feel good about it and feel good about putting my signature on it after I do some more checks.
It is 9 degrees out, 55 degrees in the hangar. Wish it would fir in my 67 degree hangar but it is too tall for my door.

Good night.

D.

DavidB. wrote:Pulled all the oil lines
Pulled off 2 cylinders
Pulled out the oil pressure relief valve and a bunch of other stuff.

No metal, no damage. Been working on it since 9 am, left at 9 pm. Rebuilt half the tail rotor drive shaft while I was at it.
We will run it tomorrow on the ground and check for to see if there is any more contamination. I feel good about it and feel good about putting my signature on it after I do some more checks.
It is 9 degrees out, 55 degrees in the hangar. Wish it would fir in my 67 degree hangar but it is too tall for my door.

Good night.

D.

DavidB. wrote:Pulled all the oil lines
Pulled off 2 cylinders
Pulled out the oil pressure relief valve and a bunch of other stuff.

No metal, no damage. Been working on it since 9 am, left at 9 pm. Rebuilt half the tail rotor drive shaft while I was at it.
We will run it tomorrow on the ground and check for to see if there is any more contamination. I feel good about it and feel good about putting my signature on it after I do some more checks.
It is 9 degrees out, 55 degrees in the hangar. Wish it would fir in my 67 degree hangar but it is too tall for my door.

Good night.

Did you pull the rods off the crank and inspect the rod bearings? If you didn’t, you’re not looking in the right place for metal damage. While you’re at it, remove the lifter’s one at a time and inspect the sides of the lifters for scratches, if there are scratches on the sides of the lifters, metal made it that far. In any case the hydraulic elements have to be bled down before you can reassemble the engine.
D.

DavidB. wrote:I though I would update this. I don't want to be thought of as a hack who would return an engine to service thats not right, ever.

After running the engine, changing the oil, and then running it some more, there was still metal showing up. I told the owner that he had one option, complete tear down. I also found, pointed out, and made record of several other issues that would need to be taken care of before I would sign anything that in any way would be construed as a statement of airwortiness.
I got told where to stick it.

I do things right, I am a control freak about it. I have a spotless hangar, nice organized tools that I know how to use, and an outstanding reputation in the motorcycle world as a mechanic. It still may be early in my return to a career in aviation, but every project I take on is, and will be prefect. Not just good enough, perfect.
I was hesitant to walk away at first. I like the guy and want to see his business suceed, and I was broke for the first time in a while and needed the money. No amount of money (if there was actually enough money, overhaul wouldn't have been an issue) is worth staying awake at night wondering if it really is going to last or if my gut is right, and this engine is done.

Ok, good bye.