Old timer told me to check the bearing clearances first

Had a Lycoming IO-360 that was making a weird grinding noise. I was sure it was the camshaft. Spent two days pulling everything apart. Old mechanic named Dave came by, said check the main bearing clearances first. Sure enough, one was way out of spec. Saved me from buying a whole new cam. Now I always listen to the gray hair guys in the hangar. Anyone else had a veteran save them from a dumb mistake?

2 comments

2 Comments

patricialee1mo ago

Used to roll my eyes when the old guys would say stuff like that. Figured they were just set in their ways from back when engines were made of cast iron and hope. But last year I had a Continental that was running rough and I was dead set on it being a valve issue. Went through the whole top end before I remembered what Dave said. Checked the rod bearing clearances and bingo, one was hammered. Would have been chasing my tail for weeks if I hadn't listened. Now I always start with the simple stuff first, no matter how sure I am.

scott.shane1mo ago

Man that's the truth right there. I was reading about this in one of those old engine manuals from the 60s and they kept saying "start with the lowest hanging fruit" which I thought was just boilerplate. Then I had a Lycoming that was sputtering on takeoff and I tore the whole induction system apart looking for a vacuum leak. Turned out it was just a loose magneto wire that was grounding out. @patricialee your Continental story is exactly what I'm talking about, these old school guys learned the hard way and passed it down but we just nod and then go do the opposite until we eat crow. Now I got a checklist taped to my toolbox that says "check the stupid stuff first" in big letters.