The International Cessna 170 Association

Ron Magos told me the trouble that he has had with the ECI Titan cylinders on a freshly overhauled engine. With new cylinder units his started to pass metal very soon after first operation. The result was to completely break down his newly overhauled engine because of the wear the cylinder wall material caused to the bearing material and the oil pump gears. It seems like I maybe seeing the same problem. Am finding magnetic metal flakes in the oil and screen with just 96 hours on new Titan cylinders. The compression is excellent but will wait on the oil analysis before proceeding further. Anyone have comments or a similar situation?

Thanks, steve grimsley N2717D

If its the cylinder walls, wouldn't it be visible with a bore scope via the spark plug hole?

no matter who does the cylinders, metal will pass. that's the reason to use mineral oil for brake-in. will cut the cylinders and rings. less slippery. but if the metal is more than you can put on your thumb nail, you have a problem. other wise, it is normal.

Well I started this topic and now I have had my #3 ECI Titan cylinders come in very low on compression on this years annual. This was one of the four cylinders that survived my broken connecting rod engine failure at the 2013 Bardstown convention. Only 500 total hours and new rings at 209 hours. The leak is across the exhaust valve from the noise. Fortunately, I just purchased my own 40 by 30 foot insulated and heated hangar here in Vermont. Can work on it in comfort. Anyone else have low time Titan O-200 cylinder problems? Steve Grimsley N2717D

Steve-
I sure hope your issue is not a systemic problem, my ECIs have 375hr since new in 2006. So far the compressions are all in the mid to upper 70s.

I think Keith Getz had a problem that ECI took care of and I haven't heard him say the problem came back. Of course, ECI products are now orphans since TCM bought them out so no telling what support there will be if any.

My issue was aluminum in the oil. It was at least one piston pin plug (or is it a cap?)...... I got all new pistons and rings at 50 hours and it solved the problem. 520 hours on it now with no further issues. Keith

Carbon Steve? Maybe time for that boroscope

I don't think it's appropriate to blame the cylinder-wall lining process for a valve-leak problem. It seems to be completely unrelated to me.

Those Titans have valve rotators and should be and have been resistant to sticking so far, for me.