Both maintenance and complete engine overhauls are performed normally at specified intervals. This interval is usually governed by the number of hours the powerplant has been in operation. The actual overhaul period for a specific engine is generally determined by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Each engine manufacturer sets a total time in service when the engine should be removed from service and overhauled. Depending upon how the engine is used in service, the overhaul time can be mandatory. The overhaul time is listed in hours and is referred to as time before overhaul (TBO). For example, if an engine had a life of 2,000 hours and had operated 500 hours, it would have a TBO of 1,500 hours.
Tests and experience have shown that operation beyond this period of time could result in certain parts being worn beyond their safe limits. For an overhauled engine to be as airworthy as a new one, worn parts, as well as damaged parts, must be detected and replaced during overhaul. The only way to detect all unairworthy parts is to perform a thorough and complete overhaul process while the engine is disassembled. The major purpose of overhaul is to inspect, repair, and replace worn engine parts.
A complete overhaul process includes the following ten steps: receiving inspection; disassembly; visual inspection; cleaning; structural inspection; non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection; dimensional inspection; repair and replacement; reassembly; and testing and break in. The inspection phases are the most precise and the most important phases of the overhaul. Inspection cannot be slighted or performed in a careless or incomplete manner. It is always recommended that complete records be made of the inspection process and kept with the engine records.
Each engine manufacturer provides very specific tolerances to which the engine parts must conform, and provides general instructions to aid in determining the airworthiness of the part. However, in many cases, the final determination must be made by the technician. Although the determination must be made if the part is serviceable, repairable, or should be rejected, the technician should follow the manufacturer’s manuals and information. When dimensional tolerances are concerned, the manufacturer publishes a new minimum and serviceable dimension for all critical component parts. Knowledge of the operating principles, strength, and stresses applied to a part is essential in making decisions regarding visible wear. When the powerplant technician signs the release for the return to service for an overhauled engine, this certifies that the complete overhaul process has been performed using methods, techniques, and acceptable practices.
- Reciprocating Engine Overhaul, Procedures, Receiving Inspection and Disassembly
- Inspection Process During Overhaul
- Cleaning Process
- Structural Inspection
- Dimensional Inspection
- Reassembly
- Installation and Testing
- Reciprocating Engine Operation
- Basic Engine Operating Principles
- Factors Affecting Engine Operation
- Reciprocating Engine Troubleshooting
- Cylinder Compression Tests
- Cylinder Removal and Installation
- Cold Cylinder Check
- Turbine Engine Maintenance
- Combustion Section Inspection
- Engine Ratings
- Turbine Engine Instruments
- Turbine Engine Operation
- Engine Shutdown
- Troubleshooting Turbine Engines
- Turboprop Operation and Troubleshooting
- Turbine Engine Calibration and Testing
- Troubleshooting EGT System and Aircraft Tachometer System