How Did AVBLEND Earn
Its FAA Approval?
In a four year test, Enstrom Helicopters, powered by Lycoming
HIO 360 C1A engines, were flown in year-round conditions
for Chicago's WGN Radio's traffic reports. One 12 oz can
of AVBLEND was added to the engine oil at each 50 hour change
interval up to the engine's TBO. To read more about this
story, click here.
FAA inspectors performed two consecutive engine disassembly
inspections. Both inspections (1,000 hours and 1,100 respectively)
produced impressive results.
Less than .001 of an inch total wear between the critical exhaust valve
stem-guide location was observed at both teardown inspection periods.
Exhaust and intake valves, guides, and seats showed minimal, if any,
carbon and deposit buildup. Pistons, rings, ring lands, and combustion
chambers also showed minimal carbon/deposit buildup and were in excellent
condition.
All four cylinders still contained the original nitride-steel barrels
and were used for five complete overhaul cycles, with no chroming or
over sizing processes during engine service time.
These helicopter cylinders are available for viewing at Oil-Chem Research
Corp., Bedford Park, IL by appointment only.
(7,786.8 total flight hours)
Shown are all four original cylinders, still within factory limits, after
7,700+ hours.
|
