Hey all, figured I would start here and see if anyone had any suggestions. Engine has 1200hrs, recent annual, #3 cylinder overhauled (30psi compression), exhaust gaskets replaced and re-aligned Y pipe at the turbo. Previous 3 oil analysis from blackstone is excellent.
Scenario- On a recent cross country, started with approx. 5.75-6q in the left engine. Notice oil pressure gradually dropping 30min out from destination. Dropped into the "yellow" 20 min out and 5 min before landing was in the low yellow (I mean low). No other distress symptoms, temps all good (oil, EGT, CHT, TIT). Adjusted the left engine settings (15-17inches and 2300rpm)in the descent and maintained the right per normal. Worked with ATC to prioritize my approach. Engine behaved normally throughout the entire process and I landed safely and was able to taxi to maintenance.
After shutdown, very little oil in engine compartment, nothing noticeable in the exhaust, but the breather tube was clearly the culprit. a bunch of oil of normal 25 hour condition all over the back half of the wing and flap. Maintenance drained oil and the engine had 2 quarts remaining. Compression checks were normal, even the overhauled cylinder. Sent out for oil analysis to determine any damage to the engine.
Seems the obvious problem is high crankcase pressure pushing oil out the breather...and thus running low on oil. Any ideas on what could be causing....or at least...advice on what to look for..? Compressions normal...I was thinking there would be a failed cylinder compression.
On an entirely separate note, this is not meant to be a discussion on emergency procedures...although I would be happy to discuss this further as I am a low time pilot and am open to criticism. Plenty of time to look at this event in hindsight...I had two young children in the back of the plane and we are all in one piece...hope my engine is as well (haha!). My destination was my closest airport...so it all worked out. BTW...it was in this moment, over Lake Erie, that I was happy I had another engine.
Anyways, I may post this in a couple other forums to see if it could help others...
Thanks
Craig
N33MQ, Piper Seneca II
Scenario- On a recent cross country, started with approx. 5.75-6q in the left engine. Notice oil pressure gradually dropping 30min out from destination. Dropped into the "yellow" 20 min out and 5 min before landing was in the low yellow (I mean low). No other distress symptoms, temps all good (oil, EGT, CHT, TIT). Adjusted the left engine settings (15-17inches and 2300rpm)in the descent and maintained the right per normal. Worked with ATC to prioritize my approach. Engine behaved normally throughout the entire process and I landed safely and was able to taxi to maintenance.
After shutdown, very little oil in engine compartment, nothing noticeable in the exhaust, but the breather tube was clearly the culprit. a bunch of oil of normal 25 hour condition all over the back half of the wing and flap. Maintenance drained oil and the engine had 2 quarts remaining. Compression checks were normal, even the overhauled cylinder. Sent out for oil analysis to determine any damage to the engine.
Seems the obvious problem is high crankcase pressure pushing oil out the breather...and thus running low on oil. Any ideas on what could be causing....or at least...advice on what to look for..? Compressions normal...I was thinking there would be a failed cylinder compression.
On an entirely separate note, this is not meant to be a discussion on emergency procedures...although I would be happy to discuss this further as I am a low time pilot and am open to criticism. Plenty of time to look at this event in hindsight...I had two young children in the back of the plane and we are all in one piece...hope my engine is as well (haha!). My destination was my closest airport...so it all worked out. BTW...it was in this moment, over Lake Erie, that I was happy I had another engine.
Anyways, I may post this in a couple other forums to see if it could help others...
Thanks
Craig
N33MQ, Piper Seneca II
