SUMMARY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 360 and 540 containing ECI-brand connecting rods.
Ed. Note:
These would have primarily been used in Kit engines, and during some overhauls done in field shops (as opposed to by Lycoming). However, it is fairly uncommon for the connecting rods to be replaced during a standard overhaul; only the bolts are replaced.If your engine was last overhauled before June of 2001, this AD will not apply to you. I called ECI, and that’s when they received the PMA for the rods; they went on sale soon afterwards. They did not have that info in either the NPRM nor on the ECI website (bit of an oversight that I suspect they will now quickly correct).
If you have had an overhaul since then, I hope you have the detailed Work Order or other documentation showing what parts went into your engine….
Partial text:
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21331; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Engine Components Incorporated (ECi)
Reciprocating Engine Connecting Rods
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
———————————————————————–
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 360 and 540
series reciprocating engines with ECi connecting rods, part number (P/
N) AEL 11750, installed. This proposed AD would require replacing
certain serial-numbered connecting rods, P/N AEL 11750. This proposed
AD would also prohibit installing certain ECi connecting rods, P/N AEL
11750 into any Lycoming 360 or 540 series reciprocating engines. This
proposed AD results from reports of connecting rods with excessive
variation in circularity of the journal bores. We are proposing this AD
to prevent fatigue failure of the connecting rod and uncommanded
shutdown of the engine.