Recommended break-in procedures for Continental engines

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Jarek
Senior Airman
Posts: 180
Joined: 31 Aug 2018, 14:59

Recommended break-in procedures for Continental engines

Post by Jarek »

As we all deal with almost brand new birds, I would like to share here some information about recommended break-in procedures for Continental engines during the first 25 hours of operation. I hope it will be useful for someone, even if I have no idea if this simulated or not ;-) Text below is a quote from Continental Motors Inc. TEC-1 bulletin: "Tips on Engine Care - Your Personal Guide to the Continental Engine", Jun. 2011

The Continental engine cylinder has a special two step hone process used in cylinder manufacturing. After honing, the internal bore of the cylinder barrel is left with a minute cross hatch pattern of "scratches". The cross hatch treatment of the cylinder walls provides valleys for oil retention and better lubrication of the cylinder, but also plays an important role in proper break-in of piston rings to cylinder walls. Your engine was operated on a factory test cell before leaving the Continental Motors factory. However complete ring seating has not occurred and must be accomplished during the first 25 hours of engine operation after installation.
A straight weight non-dispersant mineral oil conforming to SAE J-1966 is recommended for the break-in period. If you fly less than once per week, a straight mineral oil with corrosion preventative should be used for the first oil change (25 hours). The proper viscosity of the oil should be selected based on ambient operating air temperature (...)

Recommended Break-In light Tips

  • Conduct a normal take-off using full rich, full power setting and monitor the engine RPM, oil pressure, cylinder head temperatures and oil temperatures.

    Reduce to climb power according to the instructions in the AFM/POH and maintain a shallow climb attitude to gain optimum air speed and cooling.

    Level flight cruise should be at 75% power with best power, or richer mixture for the first hour of operation.

    The second hour power settings should alternate between 65% and 75% power with the appropriate best power mixture settings. Vary the power setting every 15 to 30 minutes utilizing best power settings.
    Best power mixture settings are necessary to maintain high cylinder combustion pressures. Engine controls or aircraft attitude should be adjusted, as required to maintain engine operation within specifications.

    Descend at low cruise power settings with careful monitoring of engine pressures and temperatures. Avoid long descents with cruise RPM and manifold pressure below 18 in. Hg. If necessary, decrease the RPM sufficiently to maintain manifold pressure.

    Best power mixtures occur between 75deg and 125degF rich of peak exhaust gas temperatures. Mixtures richer than best power actually reduce cylinder pressures and cylinder temperatures and can increase the time required to properly seat the piston rings. Best economy mixture settings reduce cylinder pressures and should be avoided.
    Reduced cylinder pressures with increased cylinder temperatures can result in "glazed cylinder walls", which can only be corrected by removing the cylinders, re-honing the barrels and replacing the piston rings.


Link to full version is here: http://continentalmotors.aero/xPublicat ... als/TEC-1/

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