Just logged my 500th hour on the same engine model and the wear pattern is getting predictable

I've been tracking the borescope inspections on a fleet of Cessna 172s with Lycoming O-320s, and at around 500 hours the top spark plug threads in cylinders 2 and 4 consistently show the first signs of carbon tracking. It's not an immediate airworthiness issue, but it's a clear marker for upcoming maintenance. Has anyone else noticed a specific hour mark where a particular wear item always pops up on a common engine?

3 comments

3 Comments

william_smith1mo ago

So the engines are basically sending you a calendar invite for their own party? At 500 hours on the dot, every time?

the_tyler1mo ago

Ever notice how everything seems to break right after the warranty ends, @william_smith?

clairer7914d ago

My engines are more reliable than my ex.