Detecting Aircraft Piston Engine Problems by Analysis of Engine Parameters

Abstract

The majority of general aviation aircrafts use piston engines that are considerably less reliable than turbine engines. Most problems of aircraft piston engines are reflected in engine temperature parameters like cylinder head temperature (CHT) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) that are recorded by engine monitor. Three approaches for detection of engine problems are presented. Many problems may be detected by comparison of statistical distributions of CHTs and EGTs from individual cylinders. Incipient exhaust valve failure may be detected from temporal EGT pattern containing low frequency fluctuations. The life of the exhaust valve depends on its operating temperature. Because EGT is the major contributor to the overheating of the exhaust valve and its cooling mostly depends on the CHT, the remaining life of exhaust valve may be assessed from cumulative sum of EGT and CHT during the period of use.