540 angle valve cylinder

[Anonymous]

Well it finally happened, I was talking to nice about my 540.
I started hearing a funny noise, shut it down and found a cylinder had cracked, or the bottom ear was cracked and pouring out oil, also tha bottom 2 bolts seem to be missing the heads. I plan on ordering a wrench and taking it off this week. It looks to be pretty straight foward, anyone know what I might look for or need to know before I get started, As always, thanks again, Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Could someone tell me what size external hex wrench I need, 3/8 or 1/2 or do I need both?

 

[RJ]

If it is a narrow deck engine, you need to buy aircraft cylinder base wrenches. Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co has them . Also ask an airplane mechanic where to get them.CYLINDER BASE NUT WRENCHES
FOR LYCOMING ENGINES PRE-1960
1/2" Allen Head Hex
P/N 64942 $48.50

3/8" Allen Head Hex
P/N 64943 $48.50
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/

 

[marshmaster pat]

Woody - I would check the torque on all the other cylinders. With two bolt heads sheared off, sounds like one or more came alittle loose. Then the cylinder starts vibrating with each piston stroke, at how many PRMs you are running. I have hear of that occurring before. Makes me want to go check all mine right now.

 

[cowboy]

Woody,
I have heard that the narrow deck engines have the allen head socket cap screws on the cylinder mounting flanges.
I have a cylinder in the classifieds that may fit your application if yours is wasted.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks, Cowboy, I happen to have a spare, still waiting on a wrench to take off the cylinder and look for futher damage. I did notice the 3/8 bolt head damaged 2 blades pretty bad. I might need your cylinder for another spare if I have any cash left. The cylinder moved around enough to crack the header flange.