Maintenance Practice on A-65 Chiefs

[EDGEFLY]

I am at the point where I need to establish a systematic program to care for the engine in my Chief. I have researched a few spot on the Internet and, of course, talked to a few locals (A&P's) but would like to solicit the opines of users here on such fundamental practices as Oil change intervals, maintenance cleaning recommendations and such. If all goes well, my engine will see considerably more flying time than most A-65's, perhaps as much as 250 hours/yr. but primarily in XC service vs. training or local sightseeing. The engine got new Millenium cylinders at last major and has only ~ 200 hrs on it since then. I hope to hear from owner/users who themselves put a lot of time on their machines and what schedule they use for engine service and maintenance. All aspects of Chief maintenance are of interest but, I would like to "care for the livestock" first"

Dale

[Roger Anderson]

I've put about 800 - 900 hrs on my A65 since I've had it, about 1250 SMOH. Change the oil every 20 hours. Had to have the cylinders topped after I put about 600 hrs on it (which was also the time from their previous top).

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Oil change - 25hr. Less if it's dusty.
Lube points of movement - 50hr.
Wheel bearings - 100hr. Less if operating off dirt/grass
Re-Time the mags - 100hr. They tend to creep internally.
REALLY THOROGH annuals! Watch the points of movement on the gear. Engine mount etc...
PreHeat when it gets cool, some start at 50*F others wait till its cooler.

Plan on topping cylinders around every 800hr+/-
The bottom end can go 2000-2500hr with proper maintenance.

nkh

[Nathan K. Hammond]

And get a list of recurring AD notes. Exhaust "Y" pipes have to be checked every 50 or 100hrs. Same with certain model wheels.

nkh

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dale,
I change the oil each 50hrs with 40wt Aeroshell. Now we're in CA and the oil weight is good year round. In you're location ask around to see what people are using. I prefer straight grades to multi-grades.
Nathan makes a great point on the AD's. Find the recurring AD's and have a fix for it. If you still have the DMB wheels, you're going to need a spare. Pay close attention to the Service Helps and Hints plus the Service Letters. The AD refer back to them in the body of the AD. I don't try to remember all of the stuff, but I believe the stainless Y exhaust carrys a part number different than the one subject to the AD. I will go back and check on that.
I clean the plugs each 100hrs and rotate them top plugs to bottom and forward one position in the firing order.
I've rented these little airplanes for a long time and can give you some specific inspection areas if you need it.
Paul