Why You Should Rebuild Your Engine Instead of Replacing It
Aircraft engines are an indispensable part of an aircraft, creating the ability for heavier-than-air flight for many planes, both small and large. They most often come in the form of piston engines and gas turbines, though some may be electric. In both piston engines and gas turbines, propulsion for flight is achieved through the combustion of fuel, and then the various engine parts work together to generate mechanical power. While aircraft engines are very advanced and well developed, they still face problems just like any other machine and are prone to failures over time with constant use. When these instances happen, it can pose issues affecting time and money to get them back up and running. While one could simply replace an engine, there are various benefits to having an engine rebuilt instead. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common reasons that engines fail, as well as the benefits of rebuilding them instead of replacing them.
When engines face a failure during their service life, a very common cause is attributed to overheating. If cooling system parts,
oil pump assembly parts, or other components are damaged, the entire engine system can face risk of failure. Another major culprit of engine failure is bad fuel management. This may be caused by fuel being unable to reach the engine, or an aircraft tank runs out of fuel. If there is no air provided to the fuel, proper combustion also can’t be achieved, leading to more problems. Beyond these common causes, there are many types of engine failure that could possibly arise during an engine’s life, and knowing what to do when one occurs can be very helpful for fixing the problem very quickly so an aircraft can return to operation.
When an engine is rebuilt, the engine assembly parts are taken completely apart so that they can be individually inspected and replaced as necessary. The most common parts that need replacing include
aircraft bearing parts, gasket parts, o-ring parts, valve spring outer parts, and other hardware. Different engine accessory parts will need to be cleaned and disassembled to ensure that everything is airworthy and the problematic part is replaced or removed. Once all damaged components have been inspected and replaced as needed, the engine should be able to meet OEM standards before returning to flight.
When replacing damaged engine assembly parts, the service life of the engine can be increased depending on how much was replaced. From a recycling standpoint, rebuilding is also advantageous over replacing the entire engine as there are less parts that will be discarded, reducing one’s footprint. Lastly, the most useful benefit of rebuilding is guaranteeing compatibility of the engine with the electrical system and engine control unit (ECU) of the aircraft. Often, these systems are programmed based on the engine that was originally installed. If a new engine is placed in the aircraft, the ECU may face different communication problems.
No matter whether you decide to rebuild your engine or replace it, ASAP AOG is here to help with engine accessory parts and other
aircraft engine parts. Our dedicated staff are on hand to help you with your sourcing needs, and we can provide some of the quickest lead-times in the industry. ASAP AOG is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find aircraft components you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asapaog.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.
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regina ellis
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Posted on February 20, 2020
aviation
