CSB07-01A ("CRITICAL SERVICE BULLETIN")

[2066]

While not new, my IA just forwarded this and I'm "digesting". It's become "critical"...at least to Continental's legal dept. . As I interpret, it does apply to all of "our" engines(?). Related: ...wondering what others with "quick-drain plugs" or original plugs are thinking about changing out to the "suggested" magnetic plug ($129.65 @ Spruce, incidentally)? Mac

[hotrodmac]

I’m thinking I’ll continue cutting the filter and sending my oil out for analysis. I haven’t decided if I’m going to buy the $70 (I think that’s how much it was) metal screen yet.

I have the quick drain, and while I see the value of a magnetic plug, I’m not entirely sure I want to change.

L.

[2066]

Agree. Conservative attention IAW the basics suggested in the bulletin still seems practical & safe. Our friendly neighborhood IA suggested maybe removing quick-drain every other oil change & "screening" along with cutting/inspection of every filter as well as regular analysis. While it's tempting to change the plug to the magnetic & buy the special screen, it's also tempting to spend that money on avgas . Mac

[hotrodmac]

it's also tempting to spend that money on avgas

Or that shiny AV-30 I just ordered.

[6863]

I long ago abandoned my quick drain in favor of the old plug. Additionally, I hold a strong magnet in the draining oil stream which then falls into a clean container. I then inspect for any ferrous material on the magnet and follow that by stirring the oil in the container with the magnet. I also run a magnet into the oil screen gallery and look that over carefully. Finally I wash the kidney tank out with solvent and stir the drained solvent with the magnet.

No this is not draining the oil through a 1000 micron strainer and my plug is not a magnetic type depicted in the bulletin, but I have always felt confident that any ferrous material will be picked up by my inspection method and be identifiable.

[6643]

All this would be totally unnecessary if we just overhaul the engine at every annual or 100 hours, whichever comes first.

[2066]

John wrote: "No this is not draining the oil through a 1000 micron strainer and my plug is not a magnetic type depicted in the bulletin, but I have always felt confident that any ferrous material will be picked up by my inspection method and be identifiable.

While not an AD, there's often a note in ADs...something to the effect of "another method acceptable to the Administrator". I've gotta believe that yours would be an absolutely (enthusiastically!) acceptable alternative, John! I'm often surprised at some who are reluctant to get oily and messy, even to a point of refusal to cut and inspect oil filters. Clearly you aren't. You don't mention a filter, and I know that there are many of "us" who feel that the OEM screen is sufficient...but, in any event, your method is probably as close as/superior to(!) any ever "designed" or directed that will find the metal we're hoping not to "see". Thanks for sharing!

One thing RE this bulletin and those leading up that I haven't read (so far) is whether or not this problem with rod bushings potentially "chipping" off has always been at issue. Is it just an unavoidable risk given the design and use...or, is it something relatively new due to different metal and/or design or installation? (On edit, John C., your suggestion of a major every 100 hours may just solve this and be "acceptable" to all involved...except those of us who have to bear the costs, of course ).

Mac

[6863]

All this would be totally unnecessary if we just overhaul the engine at every annual or 100 hours, whichever comes first.

Even if my engine was overhauled at these intervals my trusty magnet would remain central to a 25 hour oil change in the same way it always has. And, Mac, you are correct in your assumption about no oil filter to cut open. It's the screen only on my engine.

[8342]

"Critical Service Bulletin" is lawyer speak to cover there butts.
If you do not follow the bulletin they can have an excuse to deny liability.

Do what you are comfortable with.

Rick

[a64pilot]

John wrote: "No this is not draining the oil through a 1000 micron strainer and my plug is not a magnetic type depicted in the bulletin, but I have always felt confident that any ferrous material will be picked up by my inspection method and be identifiable.

While not an AD, there's often a note in ADs...something to the effect of "another method acceptable to the Administrator". I've gotta believe that yours would be an absolutely (enthusiastically!) acceptable alternative, John! I'm often surprised at some who are reluctant to get oily and messy, even to a point of refusal to cut and inspect oil filters. Clearly you aren't. You don't mention a filter, and I know that there are many of "us" who feel that the OEM screen is sufficient...but, in any event, your method is probably as close as/superior to(!) any ever "designed" or directed that will find the metal we're hoping not to "see". Thanks for sharing!

Known as an AMOC or Alternate Method of Compliance.
Surprised none of you guys with filters have brought up the Tempest filters with magnets in them, they work.
There are also rare earth magnets you can buy to put on the outside of a filter, I was initially suspicious of that, but have seen them work, even a normal engine will have some wear that will be stuck to the outside of the filter shell that you’ll see when you cut the filter open, it’s so fine it feels like grease.
Google oil filter magnets